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OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

ADULT SABBATH SCHOOL LESSONS

Thirteenth Sabbath Offering Overflow

December 29, 1973—Trans-Africa Division

The Trans-Africa Division was greatly encouraged by the funds re-

ceived from the Thirteenth Sabbath Overflow Offering for the third quar-

ter of 1972. We are happy to report that, as a result of your liberal offer-

ing, we received sufficient funds to build an administration complex on

our Gitwe Training School campus, which serves a constituency of over

100,000 members in the countries of Rwanda and Burundi. We were also

able to complete the administration building which had been under con-

struction for many years at Kivu in northern Zaire. Surplus funds also

assisted in the improvement and expansion of the boys' dormitory there.

Again we come to you with an appeal for funds that will help with two

much-needed projects—the improvement and expansion of the student

housing at our Helderberg College and the erection of a publishing

house at Malamulo in Malawi.

We have not been able to expand the 50-year-old housing facilities

for our students at Helderberg for many years. The lack of money has

made it necessary for both academy and college students to share the

same facilities, with as many as four and at times, five in a room de-

signed for two.

For some time we have been operating a small publishing house on

the campus of Malamulo which has provided employment and training

for some of the students at the college. This plant, with restricted capi-

tal, has attempted to meet the printing needs of our Malawi Union Mis-

sion, providing to the best of its ability literature that is needed by our

colporteur evangelists. Developments of recent years have indicated that

if this plant could be modernized and expanded it would not only make

a valuable contribution in supplying literature for the union mission but

for the neighboring unions as well.

As we come to you for special help for these two projects which will

benefit from the Christmas offering, we sincerely hope that you will

remember Trans-Africa in a special way by giving a little more than you

had intended to give. This will not only make your fellow believers in

Trans-Africa happy but will reveal to your Saviour, who was born as a

babe in Bethlehem two milleniums ago, your great desire to hasten His

coming as "King of kings and Lord of lords."

Merle L. Mills, President

Trans-Africa Division

See page 108 for outlines of the first two lessons of first quarter, 1974.

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

The memory of each person extends back only to a point several years

after his birth. He carries about in himself the evidence that he has ar-

rived very recently on the scene and is not responsible for the surround-

ings into which he has come. It was true even of Adam and Eve that their

environment preceded them. Nor are individuals responsible for their

own existence.

The Bible points to God as the originator of the world and of the life

it contains. This is God's world and we are His people. God has bestowed

on each of us certain abilities and materials for use during our brief

existence. We are in charge of these goods, and the question that con-

fronts every responsible person is: To whose benefit shall these goods be

used? The Christian answer is: To the benefit of God, the Owner.

The natural selfishness of man leads him to misappropriate the bless-

ings of God and use them in a way that is foreign to God's intentions.

"Employed to bless others, his gifts increase. Shut up to self-serving

they diminish, and are finally withdrawn. He who refuses to impart that

which he has received will at last find that he has nothing to give. He is

consenting to a process that surely dwarfs and finally destroys the facul-

ties of the soul.

"Let none suppose that they can live a life of selfishness, and then,

having served their own interests, enter into the joy of their Lord. In the

joy of unselfish love they could not participate. They would not be fitted

for the heavenly courts. They could not appreciate the pure atmosphere

of love that pervades heaven. The voices of the angels and the music of

their harps would not satisfy them. To their minds the science of heaven

would be as an enigma.

"In the great judgment day those who have not worked for Christ,

those who have drifted along, carrying no responsibility, thinking of

themselves, pleasing themselves, will be placed by the Judge of all the

earth with those who did evil. They receive the same condemnation."

—"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 364, 365.

The lessons for this quarter focus on the management, by each of us,

of all that God has placed at our disposal. The hope that goes with the

distribution of these lessons is that each of us might see himself as a

manager for God, seeking to advance His cause and His kingdom with

whatever is in his hand.

1-AQT 4-73

The Blessing of Daily Study

"Every day some portion of time should be appropri-

ated to the study of the lessons, not merely in learning to

mechanically repeat the words, while the mind does not

comprehend the meaning; but to go to the very founda-

tion, and become familiar with what is brought out in the

lesson."—"Counsels on Sabbath School Work," page 53.

My Pledge

As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge

of the Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and

prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath School

lesson each day of the week.

(signed)

The regular adult Sabbath School lessons and regular Sab-

bath School World Mission Report are available free each month

in Braille and 16

rpm records to blind and physically handi-

capped persons who cannot read normal inkprint. This includes

individuals who because of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, paraly-

sis, accidents, old age, and so forth, cannot hold, or focus on,

normal inkprint publications. Contact the Christian Record

Braille Foundation, Box 6097, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506.

Lesson Titles for the Quarter

God's Ownership

Man's Stewardship

Stewardship and Character

The Motive for Giving

Life's Center

Systematic Benevolence

Disinterested Benevolence

God First

Faithful Stewardship

10.

Prosperity

11.

Sacrifice

12.

God's Guides for Stewardship

13.

God's Gifts

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly (regular edition), No. 314, October-December, 1973. 35 cents

a single copy, $1.40 a year (four issues); no additional charge to countries requiring extra

postage. Published in the U.S.A., by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of

S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California 94040. Second-class mail privileges

authorized at Mountain View, California. Form 3579 requested. When a change of address

is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.

Illustrations by Elfred Lee

1—AQT 4-73

GOD'S OWNERSHIP

The earth is the Lord's, and the ful-

ness thereof; the world, and they that

dwell therein. Ps. 24:1.

Stewardship is

a -relationship—in this

case, between God and man. Man must

therefore know what God expects of him

and what he can expect of God. Man

must establish this partnership on real-

ity and not on wishes.

No one existed before God. He is a

Person. He feels, acts, thinks, et cetera.

He is the Creator. The materials of the

universe are the results of His creative

power. Creatorship confers ownership,

and God is thus the true owner of every-

thing. The truth of God's ownership is

often overlooked because, for one rea-

son, people have a deficient view of the

origin of things. Creation, the plan of

salvation, and stewardship are closely

related to each other.

God's ownership is not limited to ma-

LESSON 1

September 30-October 6

terial possessions. We human beings

belong to Him. God does not enforce

this ownership; rather He seeks to have

men voluntarily recognize it. This rec-

ognition leads to the relationship be-

tween God and man called stewardship.

One cannot have a relationship with a

nonpersonal power. If Satan can lead

men to view God in a depersonalized

way, he can thus prevent any sense of

responsibility of man toward God. With-

out responsibility based on his origin

from God, man easily falls into the atti-

tude that he "belongs" to himself and

that his possessions "belong" to him

also. But the truth is that God made man

only a steward of both life and posses-

sions in the relationship with God—man

never owns anything in the way he owns

goods in relation to his fellowmen.

Our study of stewardship begins

where the Bible itself begins— "In the

beginning God—"

God's Ownership

LESSON 1



❑

Sunday

September 30

Part 1

GOD IS

ETERNAL

Ps. 90:2

What seemingly permanent things are compared with

God's existence?

"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou

hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting

to everlasting, thou art God."

It is impossible for man fully to comprehend the eternity of

God who alone sits enthroned as Lord of time, without begin-

ning and without end. But we accept God's eternal existence

by faith. The problem that the human mind encounters in think-

ing of the eternal existence of God is very simliar to the prob-

lem of the infinity of space. Our minds boggle at both. The limit

of our understanding is stated in the opening words of the

scriptures— "In the beginning God—" Gen. 1:1.

With the truth of God's eternal existence we begin our study

of stewardship.

"God is from eternity in the past to eternity in the future

(see Ps. 93:2; Prov. 8:23; Micah 5:2; Hab. 1:12). He is 'the

Ancient of days' (Dan. 7:9). There could not be a more sublime

statement of the eternity of God. The man who recognizes the

eternity of God and regards his own life as related to the

Eternal, has 'a powerful stimulus to dignified, worthy living."

—SDA Bible Commentary,

on Ps. 90:2.

"No finite mind can fully comprehend the existence, the

power, the wisdom, or the works of the Infinite One. . . . [Job

11:7-9 quoted]. The mightiest intellects of earth cannot com-

prehend God. Men may be ever searching, ever learning, and

still there is an infinity

beyond."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 116.

What is God's declaration about His position in the uni-

verse? Isa. 43:10, last part.



THINK IT THROUGH



In what ways can God's eternal existence have meaning

in my existence?

"God always has been. He is the great I

AM."—Medical

Ministry,

page 92.

"Jehovah, the eternal, self-existent, uncreated One, Himself

the Source and Sustainer of all, is alone entitled to supreme

reverence and worship. Man is forbidden to give to any other

object the first place in his affections or his service. Whatever

we cherish that tends to lessen our love for God or to interfere

with the service due Him, of that do we make a

god."—Patri-

archs and Prophets,

page 305.



FURTHER STUDY



The Ministry of Healing,

pages 409-412.

God's Ownership

LESSON 1



❑

Monday

October 1



Part 2



What are some attributes of God that belong only to per-

GOD IS sona I beings?



A PERSON



"But thou, 0 Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gra-

Ps. 86:15 cious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth."

These attributes are possessed only by persons, never by

impersonal powers. God is a personal, living being. He per-

sonally created the universe, and He personally owns it.

"It was He who in the material world provided that every

desire implanted should be met. It was He who created the

human soul, with its capacity for knowing and for loving. And

He is not in Himself such as to leave the demands of the soul

unsatisfied. No intangible principle, no impersonal essence or

mere abstraction, can satisfy the needs and longings of human

beings in this life of struggle with sin and sorrow and pain. It

is not enough to believe in law and force, in things that have

no pity, and never hear the cry for help. We need to know of

an almighty arm that will hold us up, of an infinite Friend that

pities us. We need to clasp a hand that is warm, to trust in a

heart full of tenderness. And even so God has in His word

revealed Himself."—Education, page 133.

By what outstanding means has God been revealed as a

personal being? Heb. 1:2, 3; 1 Tim. 3:16; 1 John 1:1-4.

One of the ploys of Satan is to lead men to believe in a

depersonalized God. God is thus regarded as a creative force,

natural law, or eternal energy. Such a view of God strikes a

blow at the very heart of Christianity, for it leaves no room for

Jesus as the revelation of the Father. Human beings can have

no sense of responsibility to an impersonal force. Only persons

are owners, and an impersonal view of God makes divine

ownership impossible. The logical result of an impersonal

view of God is for man to look upon himself as owner, and

thus man would put himself in God's place.

THINK IT THOUGH



In my daily activities how can I be conscious of a per-

sonal God who sees and loves me and to whom I am re-

sponsible?

Nature is not God, nor was it ever God. The voice of nature

testifies of God, but nature is not God. As His created work, it

simply bears a testimony to God's power. Deity is the author

of nature. The natural world has, in itself, no power but that

which God supplies. There is a personal God, the Father; there

is a personal Christ, the

Son."—Selected Messages,

Bk. 1,

p. 293.

The Ministry of Healing,

pages 427-438.

FURTHER STUDY

God's Ownership

LESSON 1



❑

Tuesday

October

Part 3

GOD IS THE

CREATOR

Gen. 1:1

Ps. 102:25

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."

"Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and

the heavens are the work of thy hands."

Since God is the Creator, then He existed before the things

and beings of His creation. He therefore exists distinctly above

that which He has created.

Why do people belong to the Lord? Ps. 100:3.

What God created, God owns. He created the universe, and

thus it belongs to Him. Only God can create in the strictest

sense. Only He could bring into existence the original sub-

stances of the cosmos. Man, in his creative work, is dependent

on what God has created. God is always the ultimate owner

of all things.

In the first angel's message, who are the world's inhabi-

tants called upon to worship? Rev. 14:6, 7.

"The work of creation can never be explained by science.

What science can explain the mystery of life?

"The theory that God did not create matter when He brought

the world into existence is without foundation. In the forma-

tion of our world, God was not indebted to preexisting matter.

On the contrary, all things, material or spiritual, stood up before

the Lord Jehovah at His voice and were created for His own

purpose. The heavens and all the host of them, the earth and

all things therein, are not only the work of His hand; they

came into existence by the breath of His

mouth."—Testimonies,

Vol. 8, pp. 258, 259.



THINK IT THROUGH



What evidences do I see about me that there is a per-

sonal, Creator-God?

"There are many who in their hearts charge God with being

a hard master because He claims their possessions and their

service. But we can bring to God nothing that is not already

His. 'All things come of Thee,' said King David; 'and of Thine

own have we given Thee.' 1 Chron. 29:14. All things are God's,

not only by creation, but by redemption. All the blessings of

this life and of the life to come are delivered to us stamped

with the cross of Calvary. Therefore the charge that God is a

hard master, reaping where He has not sown, is false."—

Christ's Object Lessons,

page 362.



FURTHER STUDY



The Story of Redemption,

pages 20-23.

God's Ownership

LESSON 1



❑

Wednesday

October 3



Part 4



"But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, 0 Jacob,

GOD IS

and he that formed thee, 0 Israel, Fear not: for I have re-

REDEEMER

deemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine."



lsa. 43:1



God's message to Israel, assuring of redemption by the

Creator, is pertinent to God's people today. It is because of

man's rejection of God's claims on him by virtue of creation

that redemption is necessary.

"Man does not belong to himself; he has no right to use

his powers according to the wishes and promptings of his un-

converted body. He is the property of God by creation and by

redemption. Man is bound to live mentally, physically, and

spiritually as God directs, to the glory of His name, and not to

the gratification of fleshly desires. The converted man is, in-

deed, a willing slave of Jesus Christ . . . , who lives only to

please his Master."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on 1 Cor. 6:19.

What reason does Paul cite as the basis of God's owner-

ship of man? 1 Cor. 6:19, 20.

The redemption through Jesus Christ includes not only man,

but his possessions as well.

"All things come of God. We have nothing that we have not

received; and, more than this, we have nothing that has not

been purchased for us by the blood of Christ. Everything we

possess comes to us stamped with the cross, bought with the

blood that is precious above all estimate, because it is the life

God."—Thoughts

From the Mount of Blessing,

page 66.



THINK IT THROUGH



What are the implications of recognizing that God by

creation and redemption is the owner of myself and of my

possessions?

"All men have been bought with this infinite price. By pour-

ing the whole treasury of heaven into this world, by giving us

in Christ all heaven, God has purchased the will, the affections,

the mind, the soul, of every human being. Whether believers or

unbelievers, all men are the Lord's property. All are called to

do service for Him, and for the manner in which they have met

this claim, all will be required to render an account at the great

judgment

day."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

page 326.

"To the death of Christ we owe even this earthly life. The

bread we eat is the purchase of His broken body. The water

we drink is bought by His spilled blood. Never one, saint or

sinner, eats his daily food, but he is nourished by the body and

the blood of Christ. The cross of Calvary is stamped on every

loaf. It is reflected in every water spring."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 660.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 6, pp. 479-482.

God's Ownership

LESSON 1



❑

Thursday

October 4

Part 5

GOD-MAN RELATION

Ps. 24:1

"The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world,

and they that dwell therein."

God's eternity, His personality, His creatorship, and His act

of redemption combined together make Him always the abso-

lute owner of all creation.

What arrangement served as a continued reminder to

Israel that God was the owner of their land? Lev. 25:23, 24.

"Though God had given the land of Palestine to His people,

He still held title to it. The Israelites were stewards, not own-

ers."—SDA Bible Commentary,

on Lev. 25:23.

It is God who has made available the elements and materials

from which man produces the goods he claims to own. All come

from the earth. Man himself is nourished by the earth's prod-

ucts. "God desires Christians to respect the liberty that He has

in so marvelous a manner given them. In Christ is vested the

ownership of every man. Man should not be another man's

property. God has bought mankind."—Ellen G. White Com-

ments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol. 1, pp. 1106, 1107.



THINK IT THROUGH



How many production steps are there, from original source

to consumer, for some commonly used items in your home?

Do you think this "production distance" can have an influ-

ence on the God-man relation?

"All that we have is from God. He lays His hand upon our

possessions, saying: 'I am the rightful owner of the whole

universe; these are My goods.'

"—Testimonies,

Vol. 9, p. 245.

"All the good that man enjoys comes because of the mercy

of God. He is the great and bountiful Giver. His love is manifest

to all in the abundant provision made for man. He has given

us probationary time in which to form characters for the courts

above. And it is not because He needs anything that He asks

us to reserve a part of our possessions for Him.. ..

"Did He not give His only-begotten Son because He loved

us and desired to save us from death? And shall not our grati-

tude offerings flow into His treasury to be drawn therefrom to

advance His kingdom in the earth? Since God is the owner of

all our goods, shall not gratitude to Him prompt us to make

freewill offerings and thank offerings, thus acknowledging His

ownership of soul, body, spirit, and property? Had God's plan

been followed, means would now be flowing into His treasury;

and funds to enable ministers to enter new fields, and workers

to unite with ministers in lifting up the standard of truth in the

dark places of the earth, would be

abundant."—Testimonies,

Vol. 6, pp. 385, 386.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 6, pp. 389-391.

God's Ownership

LESSON 1



❑

Friday

October 5

Part 6

MAN-GOD RELATION

Luke 12:18-20

Read Luke 12:18-20.

"By the parable of the foolish rich man, Christ showed the

folly of those who make the world their all. This man had re-

ceived everything from God. The sun had been permitted to

shine upon his land; for its rays fall on the just and on the

unjust. The showers of heaven descend on the evil and on

the good. The Lord had caused vegetation to flourish, and the

fields to bring forth abundantly. The rich man was in perplexity

as to what he should do with his produce. His barns were full

to overflowing, and he had no place to put the surplus of his

harvest. He did not think of God, from whom all his mercies

had come. He did not realize that God had made him a stew-

ard of His goods that he might help the needy. He had a

blessed opportunity of being God's almoner, but he thought

only of ministering to his owner comfort. . . .

"This man's aims were no higher than those of the beasts

that perish. He lived as if there were no God, no heaven, no

future life; as if everything he possessed were his own, and

he owed nothing to God or

man."—Christ's Object Lessons,

pages 256-258.

God is the absolute owner of all things. Man is always a

steward of God's goods. A steward is a person who manages

the business of another. The person who was once called a

steward could be called in modern English a manager or busi-

ness manager. This stewardship, or management, entrusted

to man includes even the life of the steward himself, for man

is not self-created.

What is the primary qualification of a steward? 1 Cor. 4:2.

A steward controls the goods of the owner, but control is

not ownership. Man's control is temporary; God's ownership

is perpetual. Man's control is relative; God's ownership is ab-

solute. There is no such thing as absolute human ownership.

Man may control goods for a lifetime, but at his death his pos-

sessions pass on to another, who in turn is tested concerning

their use.



THINK IT THROUGH



Consider the pattern of your daily life. How does it say,

"God, I belong to You"?

"To live for self is to perish. Covetousness, the desire of

benefit for self's sake, cuts the soul off from life. It is the spirit

of Satan to get, to draw to self. It is the spirit of Christ to give,

to sacrifice self for the good of others [1 John 5:11, 12 quoted]."

—Christ's Object Lessons,

page 259.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 6, pp. 384, 385.

MAN'S STEWARDSHIP

"His lord said unto him, Well done,

thou good and faithful servant: thou

hast been faithful over a few things, I

will make thee ruler over many things:

enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

Matt. 25:21.

Stewardship implies three elements

—the owner, the goods he owns, and

the one to whom the goods are en-

trusted. Last week we noted that God

is the owner, and man is the one to

whom His goods have been entrusted.

This week we will study the nature of

the goods entrusted to man by God.

The prime possession of man is life.

Just as God's ownership depends on

His being a living person, so man's

stewardship depends on his being a

living person also. Man's life comes

from God, belongs to God, and is sus-

tained by God. Thus man's life, his ex-

istence, is involved with stewardship on

two counts: (1) his very life, which

comes from God, and (2) this life is the

LESSON 2

October 7-13

basic element for which he is respon-

sible as a steward.

It is rudimentary in the owner-steward

relation that the steward handle the

owner's goods to the benefit of the

owner and not of himself. Since life

itself and all it includes are owned by

God, then faithful stewardship requires

that life and all it includes shall be used

to the benefit of God, the owner. The

selfish use of the Lord's goods is thus

excluded from the Christian life.

"A steward identifies himself with his

master. He accepts the responsibilities

of a steward, and he must act in his

master's stead, doing as his master

would do were he presiding. His mas-

ter's interests become his. The position

of a steward is one of dignity, because

his master trusts him. If in any wise he

acts selfishly, and turns the advantages

gained by trading with his lord's goods

to his own advantage, he has perverted

the trust reposed in

him."—Testimonies,

Vol. 9, p. 246.

Man's Stewardship

LESSON 2



❑

Sunday

October 7

Part 1

STEWARDSHIP

OF LIFE

Acts 11:24, 25, 28

THINK IT THROUGH

"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing

that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples

made with hands; neither is worshipped with men's hands, as

though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and

breath, and all things."

"For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as

certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also

his offspring."

Man's life not only originated with God but it continues by

His power. Man has nothing in and of himself that perpetuates

his life.

"The mechanism of the human body cannot be fully under-

stood; it presents mysteries that baffle the most intelligent. It

is not as the result of a mechanism, which, once set in motion,

continues its work, that the pulse beats and breath follows

breath. In God we live and move and have our being. The

beating heart, the throbbing pulse, every nerve and muscle in

the living organism, is kept in order and activity by the power

of an ever-present God."—The

Ministry

Healing,

page 417.

What is the Christian purpose for life's continuance? Ps.

91:15, 16.

If man regards life's origin and continuance as from God,

how should he use his life?

"Christ came to this world to reveal the love of God. His

followers are to continue the work which He began. Let us

strive to help and strengthen one another. Seeking the good

of others is the way in which true happiness can be found.

Man does not work against his own interest by loving God and

his fellow men. The more unselfish his spirit, the happier he

is, because he is fulfilling God's purpose for him. The breath

of God is breathed through him, filling him with gladness. To

him life is a sacred trust, precious in his sight because given

by God to be spent in ministering to others."—Counsels

Stewardship,

pages 24, 25.

"God created man for His own glory, that after test and trial

the human family might become one with the heavenly family.

. . . Adam was to be tested, to see whether he would be

obedient, as the loyal angels, or disobedient. If he stood the

test, his instruction to his children would have been only of loy-

alty. His mind and thoughts would have been as the mind and

thoughts of God. . . . His character would have been moulded

in accordance with the character of God."—Ellen G. White

Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol. 1,

1082.

FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 1, pp. 197-200.

Man's Stewardship

LESSON 2



❑

Monday

October 8

Part 2

STEWARDSHIP

OF THE BODY

Rom. 12:1

"1 beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable

unto God, which is your reasonable service."

"Life is a gift of God. Our bodies have been given us to use

in God's service, and He desires that we shall care for and

appreciate them. We are possessed of physical as well as men-

tal faculties. Our impulses and passions have their seat in the

body, and therefore ye must do nothing that would defile this

entrusted possession. Our bodies must be kept in the best

possible condition physically, and under the most spiritual

influences, in order that we may make the best use of our

talents....

"A misuse of the body shortens that period of time which

God designs shall be used in His service. By allowing ourselves

to form wrong habits, by keeping late hours, by gratifying ap-

petite at the expense of health, we lay the foundation for feeble-

ness. By neglecting to take physical exercise, by overworking

mind or body, we unbalance the nervous system. Those who

thus shorten their lives by disregarding nature's laws are guilty

of robbery toward God. We have no right to neglect or misuse

the body, the mind, or the strength, which should be used to

offer God consecrated service."—Counsels

on Health,

page 41.

What is to be the Christian's object of bodily activities?

1 Cor. 10:31, 32.

Guidelines based on Biblical principles for the care of the

body are contained in the health messages of the spirit of

prophecy. One purpose of these messages is to teach the

church a stewardship of the body that is based on Christian

principles.

Do you recognize any way in which stewardship of the

body is related to the three angels' messages? Rev. 14:6-12.

THINK IT THROUGH



Am I caring for and using my body as a steward would

or as an owner?

FURTHER STUDY

"Many seem to think they have a right to treat their own

bodies as they please, but they forget that their bodies are not

their own. Their Creator, who formed them, has claims upon

them that they cannot rightly throw off. Every needless trans-

gression of the laws which God has established in our being

is virtually a violation of the law of God, and is as great a sin

in the sight of Heaven as to break the Ten Commandments.

Ignorance upon this important subject is sin. . . .

"—Counsels

on Health,

page 40.

The Ministry of Healing,

pages 318-324.

Man's Stewardship

LESSON 2



❑

Tuesday

October



Part 3



What reason does the psalmist give for desiring to be

STEWARDS OF TIME

taught to number days?



Ps. 90:12



"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our

hearts unto wisdom."

To examine the stewardship of time is really just another

way of viewing life, for Franklin's observation is correct that

time is "the stuff that life is made of." To use time wisely is to

use life wisely. Ellen White spoke .of time as "life's great capi-

tal" and further claimed that the "waste of time is a waste of

intellect."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 146.

"The cultivation of the intellect need not be prevented by

poverty, humble origin, or unfavorable surroundings. Only let

the moments be treasured. A few moments here and a few

there, that might be frittered away in aimless talk; the morning

hours so often wasted in bed, the time spent in traveling on

trams or railway cars, or waiting at the station; the moments

of waiting for meals, waiting for those who are tardy in keeping

an appointment—if ,a book were kept at hand, and these frag-

ments of time were

improved in study, reading, or careful

thought, what imiglit not be accomplished. A resolute purpose,

persistent induStry, and careful economy of time, will enable

men to acquire knowledge and mental discipline which will

qualify them for almost any position of influence and useful-

ness."—Christ's Object Lessons,

pages 343, 344.

What is the significance of Sabbath time? Ex. 20:11.

"When man observes the Sabbath he is recognizing God's

claim upon his life, his time, his strength. The Sabbath was

intended as a test of man's loyalty to the God who made him,

just as much as the tree of knowledge of good and evil was a

test of the loyalty of Adam and Eve. God has given us all things

to enjoy; His gifts are for our good; but to enjoy these gifts

now and in the eternal years, we must show evidence of our

loyalty by keeping the day God set apart for a holy use. This

requirement was made not only of those who are recognized

as the servants of God but of all mankind. 'The sabbath was

made for man,' made to be a blessing to him. In it he should

rest from labor. In keeping the Sabbath holy man would be

recognizing his relationship to his Creator."—S. A. Wellman,

Your Stewardship and Mine,

page 58.

How am I using my leisure time? Does this use glorify

God or merely give self-satisfaction?

Testimonies,

Vol. 3, pp. 145-148;

Christ's Object Lessons,

"Talents—Time," pages 342-346.

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

Man's Stewardship

LESSON 2



❑

Wednesday

October 10

What was man's first work?

"And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the

garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it."

God gave man abilities—the skill and energy of the mind

and the body—and then He gave him dominion and respon-

sibility that matched these abilities.

"Adam was crowned king in Eden. To him was given do-

minion over every living thing that God had created. The Lord

blessed Adam and Eve with intelligence such as He had not

given to any other creature. He made Adam the rightful sov-

ereign over all the works of His hands. Man, made in the divine

image, could contemplate and appreciate the glorious works

of God in nature."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Com-

mentary,

Vol. 1, p. 1082.

The ability which God gives to men today is really a capacity

that can be developed into special skills. "The development of

all our powers is the first duty we owe to God and to our fel-

low men. No one who is not growing daily in capability and

usefulness is fulfilling the purpose of life. In making a profes-

sion of faith in Christ we pledge ourselves to become all that

it is possible for us to be as workers for the Master, and we

should cultivate every faculty to the highest degree of per-

fection, that we may do the greatest amount of good of which

we are capable."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

pages 329, 330.

It is not the quality of the ability by which God judges man,

but by the faithfulness in which the ability is employed.

"A man may be in the active service of God while engaged

in the ordinary, everyday duties—while felling trees, clearing

the ground, or following the plow. The mother who trains her

children for Christ is as truly working for God as is the min-

ister in the pulpit....

"It is not the possession of splendid talents that enables

us to render acceptable service, but the conscientious per-

formance of daily duties, the contented spirit, the unaffected,

sincere interest in the welfare of others. In the humblest lot

true excellence may be found. The commonest tasks, wrought

with loving faithfulness, are beautiful in God's

sight."—Proph-

ets and Kings,

page 219.



THINK IT THROUGH



How faithfully am I developing and using my abilities?

"Had happiness consisted in doing nothing, man, in his

state of holy innocence, would have been left unemployed. But

He who created man knew what would be for his happiness;

and no sooner had He created him than He gave him his ap-

pointed work."—The

Adventist Home,

page 27.



FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons, "Talents,"

pages 325-342.

Part 4

STEWARDS OF

ABILITIES

Gen. 2:15

Man's Stewardship

LESSON 2



❑

Thursday

October 11



Part 5



Read Gen. 2:16, 17.

STEWARDS OF

The world and its contents were given over to man's man-

MATERIAL

agement, but all of these really belonged to God. The fruit of

POSSESSIONS

one tree in the garden of Eden was withheld from man's use.

Gen. 2:16, 11

On this point man could only obey or disobey. This was a test

on the use of possessions.

"This tree God reserved as a constant reminder of His own-

ership of all. Thus He gave them opportunity to demonstrate

their faith and trust in Him by their perfect obedience to His

requirements."—Testimonies,

Vol. 6, p. 386.

What did God warn would be the results to man if he

used the world's goods contrary to divine command? Gen.

2:16, 17.

After man's expulsion from Eden, the tithe became a test to

man as the tree of knowledge of good and evil had been a

test in the garden. "He places His treasures in the hands of

men, but requires that one tenth shall be faithfully laid aside

for His work. He requires this portion to be placed in His

treasury. It is to be rendered to Him as His own; it is sacred

and is to be used for sacred purposes, for the support of those

who carry the message of salvation to all parts of the world. He

reserves this portion, that means may ever be flowing into His

treasure house, and that the light of truth may be carried to

those who are nigh and those who are afar off. By faithfully

obeying this requirement we acknowledge that all belongs to

God."—Testimonies,

Vol. 6, p. 386.

What reason did Jesus give for His warning against cove-

tousness? Luke 12:15.

"The system of benevolence was arranged to prevent that

great evil, covetousness. Christ saw that in the prosecution of

business the love of riches would be the greatest cause of

rooting true godliness out of the heart. He saw that the love of

money would freeze deep and hard into men's souls, stopping

the flow of generous impulses and closing their senses to the

wants of the suffering and the afflicted."—Testimonies, Vol. 3,

p. 547.



THINK IT THROUGH



What is the focal point of my life?

"God's hand can prosper or withhold; and he frequently

withholds from one while He seems to prosper another. All this

is to test and prove men, and to reveal the

heart."—Testimo-

nies,

Vol. 3, p. 547.



FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons, "Talents—Money,"

pages 351, 352.

2—AQT 4-73

Man's Stewardship

LESSON 2



❑

Friday

October 12

Part 6

TESTED BY GOD

Matt. 25:40

What is the ultimate test of all of life?

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I

say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the

least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

"Disrobe yourselves of selfishness, and see if there are not

many whom you can help and bless with your homes, your

sympathy, your love, and in pointing them to the Lamb of God,

who taketh away the sins of the world. Do you wish to make

any sacrifice to save souls? Jesus, the dear Saviour, is pre-

paring a home for you; and why will not you in your turn

prepare a home for those who need it, and in thus doing imita-

tate the example of your Master? If you are not willing to do

this, when you shall feel that you need a habitation in the

heavens, none will be awarded you. For Christ declares: 'In-

asmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it

not to Me.' You that have been selfish, studying your own ease

and advantage all your life, your hours of probation are fast

closing. What are you doing to redeem your life of selfishness

and uselessness? Wake up! wake

up!"—Testimonies,

Vol. 2,

p. 30.

Before Adam and Eve could be eternally secure, they had to

develop a character that could be trusted for eternity. In the

process of this development, they would be confronted with

the decision to be obedient or disobedient to God. They failed

the test.

"Our first parents, though created innocent and holy, were

not placed beyond the possibility of wrongdoing. God made

them free moral agents, capable of appreciating the wisdom

and benevolence of His character and the justice of His re-

quirements, and with full liberty to yield or to withhold obe-

dience. They were to enjoy communion with God and with

holy angels; but before they could be rendered eternally se-

cure, their loyalty must be

tested."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 48.

From then till now God has been testing people's characters

that they might see and remedy their needs.

What admonition to Judah is appropriate for people

today? Lam. 3:40.

In our lesson this week, we have noted that God gave man

life, taught him how to use it unselfishly, and then tested him

concerning its use.



THINK IT THROUGH



In what ways is God testing me? Are there tests in my

life that I have not recognized before as tests?



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 9,

pp.

245, 246.

STEWARDSHIP

AND

CHARACTER

LESSON 3

October 14-20

"To whom God would make known

what is the riches of the glory of this

mystery among the Gentiles; which is

Christ in you, the hope of glory." Col.

1:27.

What is character? It is the distinctive

qualities or traits which set one apart—

the habitual responses to stimuli. Ellen

G. White points to the thoughts and feel-

ings combined as the root of character.

See

Testimonies,

Vol. 5, p. 310.

To have a Christian character is to

have habitual responses to one's sur-

roundings that are like Christ's re-

sponses, or thoughts and feelings that

correspond to His. A person who thus

responds will be a special kind, having

turned the gospel into actual living.

Faithful stewardship requires the use

of life and its products to the glory and

benefit of God. What you do with the

life God has given you to use both re-

2—AQT 4-73

veals and develops your character. The

motive and degree of faithfulness in

your stewardship show whether or not

you are in harmony with His kingdom,

and are thus safe to save.

"A character formed according to the

divine likeness is the only treasure that

we can take from this world to the next.

. .. How important, then, is the develop-

ment of character in this

life."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

page 332.

The article by Ellen G. White

which follows this lesson was

printed in the

Review and Her-

ald,

April 7, 1896. "Treasure

Laid Up in Heaven" is to be

read as supplementary mate-

rial for this week.

Stewardship and Character

LESSON 3



❑

Sunday

October 14

t 1 Read John 3:16.



GOD'S CHARACTER



In this verse Jesus spoke of God as One who loved and

John 3:16

gave. God's love is expressed through giving. The Son gave

Himself for man even before man had been created. See Rev.

13:8. He gave from principle.

"Turning from all lesser representations, we behold God in

Jesus. Looking unto Jesus we see that it is the glory of our

God to give. 'I do nothing of Myself,' said Christ; 'the living

Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father.' I seek not Mine

own glory,' but the glory of Him that sent Me. John 8:28; 6:57;

8:50; 7:18. In these words is set forth the great principle which

is the law of life for the universe. All things Christ received

from God, but He took to give. So in the heavenly courts, in

His ministry for all created beings: through the beloved Son,

the Father's life flows out to all; through the Son it returns, in

praise and joyous service, a tide of love, to the great Source

of all. And thus through Christ the circuit of beneficence is

complete, representing the character of the great Giver, the

law of life."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 21.

Love expressed in self-sacrificial giving is the divine char-

acteristic that God is seeking to develop in man.

God demonstrated to the universe how far He was willing to

go, how much He was willing to give, to redeem and save man.

"Through Jesus, God's mercy was manifested to men; but

mercy does not set aside justice. The law reveals the attributes

of God's character, and not a jot or tittle of it could be changed

to meet man in his fallen condition. God did not change His

law, but He sacrificed Himself, in Christ, for man's redemp-

tion."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 762.

For God to change the law would be for Him to change His

character, for the law is a transcript of His character. For God

to change character would mean that He was imperfect either

before or after the change.

But man is the one who is imperfect and in need of change.

Faith in God that leads to giving oneself to God, is the begin-

ning point for the development of God's character in man.



THINK IT THROUGH



What does it mean to give oneself to God?

"But Christ, coming to the earth as man, lived a holy life,

and developed a perfect character. These he offers as a free

gift to all who will receive them. His life stands for the life of

men. Thus they have remission of sins that are past, through

the forbearance of God. More than this, Christ imbues men with

the attributes of God. He builds up the human character after

the similitude of the divine character."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 762.



FURTHER STUDY



The Acts of the Apostles,

page 475.

Stewardship and Character

LESSON 3



❑

Monday

October 15



Part 2



What is the believer's relation to God?

IMAGE OF GOD



Gen. 1:26



"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our

likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea,

and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all

the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon

the earth."

The expression "the image of God" has very broad implica-

tions. Notice Ellen G. White's comments on this term in the

following quotations:

"God created man a superior being; he alone is formed in

the image of God, and is capable of partaking of the divine

nature, of cooperating with his Creator and executing His

plans."—Sons

and Daughters of God,

page 7.

"Man was to bear God's image, both in outward resemblance

and in character. Christ alone is 'the express image' (Hebrews

1:3) of the Father; but man was formed in the likeness of God.

His nature was in harmony with the will of God. His mind was

capable of comprehending divine things. His affections were

pure; his appetites and passions were under the control of

reason. He was holy and happy in bearing the image of God

and in perfect obedience to His

will."—Patriarchs and Proph-

ets,

page 45.

"And God's character was reflected in the character of

Adam. His glory was revealed in every object of nature."—The

Adventist Home,

page 27.

"Sin has marred and well-nigh obliterated the image of God

in man. It was to restore this that the plan of salvation was

devised, and a life of probation was granted to man. To bring

him back to the perfection in which he was first created is the

great object of life—the object that underlies every other. . . .

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

How can I best cooperate with Jesus for the restoration of

the image of God in me?

"Satan Was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the

image of God in humanity. Then Jesus came to restore in man

the image of his Maker. None but Christ can fashion anew the

character that has been ruined by sin. He came to expel the

demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from

the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of

His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own

glory."—The

Desire of Ages,

pages 37, 38.

Testimonies,

Vol. 5, pp. 737-746.

Stewardship and Character

LESSON 3



❑

Tuesday

October 16



Part 3



What attribute of Jesus are believers to emulate? Phil.

THE EXAMPLE

5-8.



OF JESUS



"Did not our Exemplar tread a hard, self-denying, self-sacri-

Phil. 2:5-8

ficing, humble path on our account in order to save us? He

encountered difficulties, experienced disappointments, and suf-

fered reproach and affliction in His work of saving us. And shall

we refuse to follow where the King of glory has led the way?

Shall we complain of hardship and trial in the work of over-

coming on our own account, when we remember the sufferings

of our Redeemer in the wilderness of temptation, in the Garden

of Gethsemane, and on Calvary? All these were endured to

show us the way and to bring us the divine help that we must

have or

perish."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 371.

God's plan for character development involves the rejec-

tion of a "getting," self-serving life and the acceptance of a

"giving," self-sacrificing life motivated by faith in and love for

Jesus Christ.

"But Christ has given us no assurance that to attain per-

fection of character is an easy matter. A noble, all-round char-

acter is not inherited. It does not come to us by accident. A

noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits

and grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the

mind; we form character. It is formed by hard, stern battles with

self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary

tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves closely, and

allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected."—

Christ's Object Lessons,

page 331.

What does Paul say is the purpose of God's work in us

through Jesus? Eph. 2:10.

God seeks to involve man as His co-worker. This is essen-

tial for the development of character. "Not even God can make

our characters noble or our lives useful, unless we become co-

workers with Him."—The

Ministry of Healing,

page 487.



THINK IT THROUGH



How does giving relate to my character development?

"By a chain of circumstances which would call forth his

charities, He [God] bestows upon man the best means of cul-

tivating benevolence, and keeps him habitually giving to help

the poor and to advance His cause. By its necessities a ruined

world is drawing forth from us talents of means and of influence

to present to men and women the truth, of which they are in

perishing need. And as we heed these calls, by labor and by

acts of benevolence, we are assimilated to the image of Him

who for our sakes became

poor."—Testimonies,

Vol. 9, pp.

253, 254.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pages 693, 694.

Stewardship and Character

LESSON 3



❑

Wednesday

October 17

Part 4

THE CHURCH

AND GIVING, I

Titus 1:5

After Paul organized the church in Crete, what further

work did he ask Titus to do?

"For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set

in order the things that are wanting."

Paul sent Titus to "complete the work of organizing the

Cretan church. Perhaps because the Cretans may have thought

no additional organization necessary after Paul's departure,

Titus stood in need of this special authorization in order to

perfect an efficient organization."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

Titus 1:5.

One of the purposes of our denominational structure is to

educate people in giving their whole being to God. Making God

the center of one's life is the whole crux of character develop-

ment. Plans which provide members ways by which to give

their time, abilities, and possessions to God's work are devel-

oped by the church. The local church elects leaders in each

department for the very purpose of encouraging members to

give themselves in a service of love for those whom they can

help within the church and the community. Pastors are the

spiritual leaders, but each pastor can give only as one person.

He is to lead in giving and thus provide an example to the flock

to follow him to the extent that he follows Jesus.

"Objects that call benevolence into action must be placed

before them, or they cannot pattern after the character of the

great

Exemplar."—Testimonies,

Vol. 9, p. 255.

Whom did Paul tell Titus to appoint to have oversight of

the churches? Titus 1:5, last part.

Elders led out in the spiritual work of each congregation in

the early church. In our church we still follow this plan, and

Ellen G. White has counseled that: "The elders and those who

have leading places in the church should give more thought

to their plans for conducting the work. They should arrange

matters so that every member of the church shall have a part

to act, that none may lead an aimless life, but that all may

accomplish what they can according to their several ability."

—Christian Service,

page 62.



THINK IT THROUGH



Why do many members not participate in God's work?

"The people have had too much sermonizing; but have they

been taught how to labor for those for whom Christ died? Has

a line of labor been devised and placed before them in such

a way that each has seen the necessity of taking part in the

work?"—Testimonies,

Vol. 6, p. 431.



FURTHER STUDY



Christian Service,

pages 58-60.

Stewardship and Character

LESSON 3



❑

Thursday

October 18

Part 5

THE CHURCH

AND GIVING, II

Eph. 5:27

What condition does Jesus look for in His church?

"That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not

having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should

be holy and without blemish."

The spots, wrinkles, and blemishes are, at their root, the

results of selfishness. The glory and holiness of the church is

the self-sacrificing character of Jesus reproduced in the mem-

bers of the church. Self-sacrificial giving by church members

does not purchase salvation, but it is an outgrowth of faith in

Jesus. The Christian who gives is working in cooperation with

his Saviour.

Conversion is the first need of every person. The self must

first be given to God to fill with His Spirit before a member

has sanctified ability to work for others. Further, worldliness is

not merely a mental condition that reduces the positive effec-

tiveness of the church's witness, but it is a negative influence

in the church that prevents the conversion of others. "The Lord

does not now work to bring many souls into the truth, because

of the church members who have never been converted and

those who were once converted but who have backslidden.

What influence would these unconsecrated members have on

new

converts."—Testimonies,

Vol. 6, p. 371. The spiritual re-

sponsibility of the church is to encourage the member in first

giving himself to God. "God calls for workers. Personal activity

is needed. But conversion comes first; seeking for the salvation

of others,

next."—Counsels on Stewardship,

page 48.

What counsel did Paul give for conduct of the church in

Corinth? 1 Cor. 14:40.

To be effective, spiritual plans should be so carefully laid

and implemented that each member will not only have oppor-

tunity to be actively engaged but will with alacrity voluntarily

choose to be involved. "Those who have the spiritual over-

sight of the church should devise ways and means by which

an opportunity may be given to every member of the church

to act some part in God's work. Too often in the past this has

not been done. . . . There are but few who realize how much

has been lost because of

this."—Testimonies,

Vol. 9, p. 116.



THINK IT THROUGH



How can I become seriously involved in God's work?

"The churches are withering up because they have failed to

use their talents in diffusing light. Careful instruction should be

given which will be as lessons from the Master, that all may put

their light to practical

use."—Testimonies,

Vol. 6, p. 431.



FURTHER STUDY



Christian Service,

pages 61-63.

Stewardship and Character

LESSON 3



❑

Friday

October 19

Read 1 John 3:2.

This verse looks forward to the full restoration of the image

of God in man. The image of God was diminished in man as a

result of sins, and sin changed man's view of himself from that

of a steward caring for God's goods to that of an owner han-

dling his own possessions. The restoration of God's image in

man reverses this view he has of himself so that he recognizes

himself as a steward who is managing the property of the Great

Owner. The property includes his whole life and its assets.

Godly character is developed as the believer views life and its

assets as belonging to God and uses them in the way he rec-

ognizes that God would use them, were He dealing with them

directly.

Ellen G. White identifies some of these assets as follows:

The Body.

"The body is a most important medium through

which the mind and the soul are developed for the upbuilding

of character. Hence it is that the adversary of souls directs his

temptations to the enfeebling and degrading of the physical

powers. His success here often means the surrender of the

whole being to

evil."—Prophets and Kings,

pages 488, 489.

"But those who are slaves to appetite will fail in perfecting

Christian

character."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 492.

Material Possessions.

"It was not God's purpose that pov-

erty should wholly cease. It is one of His means for the develop-

ment of character."—The

Ministry of Healing,

page 186. "This

tithing system, I saw, would develop character, and manifest

the true state of the

heart."—Testimonies,

Vol. 1, p. 237.

Abilities.

"He desires each child of His to build a noble

character, by the doing of pure, noble deeds. . . .

"It is only by the right use of the talents that the character

can develop harmoniously."—Child

Guidance,

page 166.

Time.

"The only way in which we can redeem our time is

by making the most of that which remains, by being co-workers

with God in His great plan of redemption."—Christ's

Object

Lessons,

page 342.

What does the hope of seeing Jesus and of being like Him

cause a person to do? 1 John 3:3.

Am I responding to God by giving the whole life to Him?

"To restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him

back to the perfection in which he was created, to promote the

development of body, mind, and soul, that the divine purpose

in His creation might be realized—this was to be the work of

redemption. This is the object of education, the great object

life."—Education,

pages 15, 16.

FURTHER STUDY



Messages to Young People,

pages 163-165.

Part 6

THE WHOLE

LIFE GIFT

1 John 3:2

THINK IT THROUGH

TREASURE LAID UP IN HEAVEN

Ellen G. White

"Lay up for yourselves treasures in

heaven, where neither moth nor rust

doth corrupt, and where thieves do not

break through nor steal: for where your

treasure is, there will your heart be

also." "If ye then be risen with Christ,

seek those things which are above,

where Christ sitteth on the right hand

of God. Set your affection on things

above, not on things on the earth. For

ye are dead [to earthly pleasures and

worldly attractions], and your life is hid

with Christ in God." What follows this

experience?—"When Christ, who is our

life, shall appear, then shall ye also

appear with him in glory. Mortify there-

fore your members which are upon the

earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordi-

nate affection, evil concupiscence, and

covetousness, which is idolatry: for

which things' sake the wrath of God

cometh on the children of disobe-

dience."

Truth languishes in our earth, and he

that departeth from evil, maketh himself

a prey. What shall I eat? and what shall

I drink? and wherewithal shall I be

clothed? are the questions which are

occupying the minds of men, while eter-

nity is dropped out of their reckoning.

Men do not look upon the Lord Jesus

Christ as the only hope of the world. He

sees his purchased possession the sport

of every kind of deception, and knows

that the end thereof is eternal ruin.

Those for whom he died are absorbed

in providing themselves with temporal

things that are not required. At the same

time they are neglecting the preparation

of character which would fit them for

an abode in the mansions which he has

purchased for them at an infinite price.

Christ calls upon them to change this

order of things, and to act as rational

beings. He would have them use their

God-given faculties in contemplating

eternal realities. He lifts his voice in

warning, saying, "Lay not up for your-

selves treasures upon earth, where moth

and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves

break through and steal: but lay up for

yourselves treasures in heaven. . . .

No man can serve two masters: for

either he will hate the one, and love the

other; or else he will hold to the one,

and despise the other. Ye cannot serve

God and mammon."

When temporal matters absorb the

mind and engage the attention, the

whole strength of the being is engaged

in the service of man, and men look

upon the worship due to God as a trifling

matter. Religious interests are made

subservient to the world. But Jesus, who

has paid the ransom for the souls of the

human family, requires that men shall

subordinate temporal interests to the

heavenly interests. He would have them

cease to indulge in hoarding up earthly

treasures, in spending money upon lux-

uries, and in surrounding themselves

with those things which they do not

need. He would not have them destroy

spiritual power, but directs their atten-

tion to heavenly things. He urges that

men should seek more earnestly and

continually for the bread of life than for

the bread which perishes. He says,

"Labor not for the meat which perisheth,

but for that meat which endureth unto

everlasting life, which the Son of man

shall give unto you: for him hath God

the Father sealed." "Except ye eat the

flesh of the Son of man, and drink his

blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso

eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood,

hath eternal life; and

will raise him up

at the last day." It is the word of God

that is essential for our spiritual growth.

"It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh

profiteth nothing; the words that I speak

unto you, they are spirit, and they are

life." Those who are doers of the words

of Christ will bring heaven into their

life.

Christ is our Redeemer, our owner,

and he is intensely interested that we

shall have peace in this world. He seeks

to present before us the attractions of

heaven; for where the treasure is, there

will the heart be also. To lay up treasure

in heaven is to use our God-given capa-

bilities in acquiring means and influence

that may be used for the glory of God.

Every dollar we earn is the Lord's prop-

erty, and should be used in reference to

the time when we shall be called to give

an account of our stewardship. No one

of us will be able to evade the future

reckoning. By choosing to lay up trea-

sure in heaven, our characters will be

molded after the likeness of Christ. The

world will see that our hopes and plans

are made in reference to the advance-

ment of the truth and the salvation of

perishing souls. They will see that

Christ is all in all to those who love him.

The world is stirred to intense activ-

ity in seeking for earthly treasure. Men

prostitute their God-given powers in de-

vising and executing earthly projects;

but Christ lifts his voice, like the trump

of God, and calls the attention of men,

saying, "What shall it profit a man, if he

shall gain the whole world, and lose his

own soul? Or what shall a man give in

exchange for his soul?"

In securing treasure in heaven, we

place ourselves in living connection with

God, who owns all the treasures of the

earth, and supplies all temporal mercies

that are essential for life. Every soul may

secure the eternal inheritance. The Lord

opens the fact before his people that

there is full room for the exercise of

their faculties, for the fulfilment of their

loftiest aims, for the acquirement of the

choicest and most enduring treasure.

They may lay up treasures where neither

fire nor flood nor any manner of adver-

sity can touch. It is the highest wisdom

to live in such a way as to secure eter-

nal life. This may be done by not living

in the world for ourselves, but by living

for God; by passing our property on to

a world where it will never perish. By

using our property to advance the cause

of God, our uncertain riches are placed

in an unfailing bank. But it is not riches

alone that is accounted as treasure. We

are to dispense our wealth of thought,

to use our God-given wisdom in devising

and executing plans to honor and glorify

God. We are to make to ourselves

friends by relieving the distress of the

poor and by building up every interest

we possibly can in the earth, to keep

heaven and God continually in view, and

to lift up the standard of righteousness

among men. In so doing we are using

the means and the influence that the

Householder has lent us in trust to make

for ourselves friends of the mammon

of unrighteousness. The world may

condemn us for using our means in

building meeting-houses, in feeding the

hungry, in helping the oppressed and

suffering out of their difficulties; but the

Lord says that this is the very work that

should be done with his intrusted capi-

tal. Those who make friends with the

mammon of unrighteousness will be re-

ceived into everlasting habitations. Ev-

ery sacrifice made for the purpose of

blessing others, every appropriation of

means for the service of God, will be

treasure laid up in heaven.—Review

and

Herald,

April 7, 1896.

THE

MOTIVE

FOR GIVING

LESSON 4

October 21-27

"In this was manifested the love of

God toward us, because that God sent

his only begotten Son into the world,

that we might live through him."

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we

ought also to love one another." 1 John

4:9, 11.

The basic motive for giving is love.

This giving is a means of expressing

love, and this expression causes love to

increase and mature. Unless love is ex-

pressed by the entire life, the life be-

comes warped and does not grow and

develop properly or fully.

Why are you a Christian? Is it be-

cause you love God, or because you are

afraid of the consequences of not sur-

rendering to the will and way of God?

Do you think you will have an easier

and better life here and now? Are you

concerned about what others will think

of you if you don't?

The possible answers are numerous,

but one reason alone must predominate.

One is a Christian because he loves

God above everything and everyone

else, including "self."

Changes take place in the life of a

person as soon as he begins to under-

stand and practice God's love. Atti-

tudes, values, and perspectives all

change. Such a person does not need

to be begged or compelled to give his

life back to God. He gives willingly,

cheerfully, eagerly, systematically, dis-

interestedly, and sacrificially because he

loves God.

He gives God the control and use of

his life—the body, material possessions,

abilities, and time. He recognizes that

they belong to God and are ready and

waiting to be used.

By his love, others learn to love God.

By his gift, others learn to give.

By his life, others learn to live.

"Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life for his

friends." John 15:13.



The Motive for



Giving

LESSON 4



❑

Sunday

October 21



Part 1



How has God expressed His love for mankind?



GOD'S MOTIVE



"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, be-

FOR GIVING

cause that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that

1 John 4:9

we might live through him."

We often consider the gift of Jesus Christ at Calvary as the

first great sign of God's love, but the creation of this world

was also a demonstration of His great love. "This world was

established and is sustained by the compassionate love of the

Creator."—Testimonies, Vol. 9, p. 50.

"All created things testify to His power, His wisdom, His

love."—Testimonies,

Vol. 8, p. 265.

What was God's motive for giving His Son? John 3:16.

Here is the example for each of us to follow. The only motive

for giving which is acceptable to God is the motive He Himself

has—love.

"As Christ in His expiring agony upon the cross cried out,

'It is finished' (John 19:30), a shout of triumph rang through

every world and through heaven itself. The great contest that

had been so long in progress in this world was now decided,

and Christ was conqueror. His death had answered the ques-

tion whether the Father and the Son had sufficient love for man

to exercise self-denial and a spirit of sacrifice. Satan had

revealed his true character as a liar and a murderer. It was

seen that the very same spirit with which he had ruled the

children of men who were under his power, he would have

manifested if permitted to control the intelligences of heaven.

With one voice the loyal universe united in extolling the divine

administration."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

pages 69, 70.

God gave because He "so loved the world." No other reason

is given. No.other reason is needed. No other reason is valid.



THINK IT THROUGH



How should I respond to God's love?

"Could God give us any greater proof of His love than in

thus giving His Son to pass through this scene of suffering?

And as the gift of God to man was a free gift, His love infinite,

so His claims upon our confidence, our obedience, our whole

heart, and the wealth of our affections, are correspondingly

infinite. He requires all that it is possible for man to give. The

submission on our part must be proportionate to the gift of

God; it must be complete and wanting in nothing. We are all

debtors to God. He has claims upon us that we cannot meet

without giving ourselves a full and willing sacrifice."—Testi-

monies,

Vol. 3, pp. 369, 370.

FURTHER STUDY



Steps to Christ,

"God's Love for Man," pages 9-15.

The Motive for Giving

LESSON 4



❑

Monday

October 22

"Thus He taught that the value of the gift is estimated not

by the amount, but by the proportion that is given and the

motive that actuates the giver."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 342.

"And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their

gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow

casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say

unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they

all: for all these have of their abundance cast in unto the

offerings of God: but she of her penury bath cast in all the

living that she had."

"It is the motive that gives character to our acts, stamping

them with ignominy or with high moral worth. Not the great

things which every eye sees and every tongue praises does

God account most precious. The little duties cheerfully done,

the little gifts which make no show, and which to human eyes

may appear worthless, often stand highest in His sight. A heart

of faith and love is dearer to God than the most costly gift.

The poor widow gave her living to do the little that she did. She

deprived herself of food in order to give those two mites to the

cause she loved. And she did it in faith, believing that her

heavenly Father would not overlook her great need. It was this

unselfish spirit and childlike faith that won the Saviour's com-

mendation."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 615.

What attitudes did Paul commend to Corinthian believers

who were giving offerings for the Jerusalem saints? 2 Cor.

9:7.

Part 2

MAN'S MOTIVE

FOR GIVING

Luke 21:1-4

THINK IT THROUGH

"God will have a free-will offering. Those who give must

esteem it a privilege to do

so."—Spiritual Gifts,

Vol. 2, p. 249.

"Every action derives its quality from the motive which

prompts it, and if the motives are not high, and pure, and

unselfish, the mind and character will never become well bal-

anced."—Sons

and Daughters of God,

page 171.

If I followed the principle of giving taught by the story of

the widow's mite, how much would I give?

"When Christ abides in the soul, the thought of reward is not

uppermost. This is not the motive that actuates our service.

It is true that in a subordinate sense we should have respect

to the recompense of reward. God desires us to appreciate

His promised blessings. . . . We should not be so anxious to

gain the reward as to do what is right, irrespective of all gain.

Love to God and to our fellow men should be our motive."—

Christ's Object Lessons,

pages 398, 399.

FURTHER STUDY



Counsels on Stewardship,

page 180.

The Motive for Giving

LESSON 4



❑

Tuesday

October 23

Part 3

APPEALS FOR

GIVING

2 Cor. 8:4, 5

THINK IT THROUGH

What was the attitude of the Macedonian believers toward

giving for relief of the Christians in Jerusalem?

"Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the

gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the

saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their

own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God."

"God designs that the exercise of benevolence shall be

purely voluntary, not having recourse even to eloquent appeals

to excite sympathy. 'God loveth a cheerful giver.' He is not

pleased to have His treasury replenished with forced supplies."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 413.

"True Christian benevolence springs from the principle of

grateful love. Love to Christ cannot exist without corresponding

love to those whom He came into the world to redeem. Love

to Christ must be the ruling principle of the being, controlling

all the emotions and directing all the energies. Redeeming love

should awaken all the tender affection and self-sacrificing devo-

tion that can possibly exist in the heart of man. When this is

the case, no heart-stirring appeals will be needed to break

through their selfishness and awaken their dormant sympathies,

to call forth benevolent offerings for the precious cause of

truth."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 396.

What has Jesus promised will be the result of giving?

Luke 6:38.

Give what God has enabled you to give. It isn't necessary

to wait for an appeal. Give when you see a need either in God's

work or among your fellowmen. Give what you have. Jesus has

given us all that we have. "Freely ye have received, freely

give." Matt. 10:8.

What has been my past response to the needs of God's

work and to the needs of my fellowmen? What changes should

I make?

"There may sometimes have been too much urging for

means. But when the light and love of Jesus illuminates the

hearts of His followers, there will be no occasion for urging or

begging their money or their service. When they become one

with Jesus, and realize that they are not their own, that they

are bought with a price and are therefore the Lord's property,

and that all they have is simply entrusted to them as His stew-

ards, they will with cheerful heart and unswerving fidelity

render to God the things that are

His."—Testimonies,

Vol. 5,

p. 285.

FURTHER STUDY



Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 195-197.

The Motive for Giving

LESSON 4



❑

Wednesday

October 24

Part 4

UNACCEPTABLE

OFFERINGS

Mal. 1:8, 13, 14

THINK IT THROUGH

What are the modern equivalents of the unacceptable

offerings given by some Jews in postexilic Judah?

"And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and

if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto

thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy per-

son? saith the Lord of hosts."

"Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have

snuffed at it, saith the Lord of hosts; and ye brought that

which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought

an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the Lord.

But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and

voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am

a great King, saith the lord of hosts, and my name is dreadful

among the heathen."

God does not accept an unwilling offering as a gift at all. It

may be used in His work, but the blessing that could come to

the giver of the offering is not granted. To the giver it is as

though the offering were never given. The formality of the offer-

ing is carried out, but the heart is not in the gift. The grudging

gift is given from some other motive than love. The seriousness

of this type of an experience is that the time comes when a

person no longer distinguishes the good motive from the bad

motive even though the giving of offerings continues.

"The Lord will not accept an offering that is made unwill-

ingly, grudgingly. With your present feelings there would be no

virtue in making more pledges. When you recover from this

snare of the enemy, when you heal the breach that you have

made, and realize that the wants of God's cause are as con-

tinual as are His gifts to the children of men, your works will

correspond with your faith, and you will receive a rich blessing

from the

Lord."—Testimonies,

Vol. 5, p. 285.

What is my motive for giving my life to Christ?

"We do not propose to appeal to the lust of the appetite or

resort to carnal amusements as an inducement to Christ's

professed followers to give of the means which God has en-

trusted to them. If they do not give willingly, for the love of

Christ, the offering will in no case be acceptable to God."

—Counsels on Stewardship,

page 202.

FURTHER STUDY



Counsels on Stewardship,

page 339.

The Motive for Giving

LESSON 4



❑

Thursday

October 25

Part 5

MATURITY

AND GIVING

Eph. 4:13

To what degree of maturity is the church to attain?

"Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the

knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the

measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."

The church, as well as the individual, is to come to maturity.

To refuse to mature or "grow up" is a greater sin than the

immaturity, and is an outcome of self-satisfaction and low

ideals. The call for unity and maturity of verse 13 is contrasted

with the immaturity and disunity of verse 14.

Immaturity in the church is encouraged by appealing to the

wrong motives for giving to Christ. Candy sales, bake sales,

fairs, dinners, prizes for services performed for Christ, are a

few examples of appeals to wrong motives for giving. The

mature Christian needs no gimmicks to encourage his liberality.

"Wherever there is life in a church, there is inc ease and

growth. There is also a constant interchange, taking and giv-

ing out, receiving and returning to the Lord His own. To every

true believer God imparts light and blessing, and this the be-

liever imparts to others in the work that he does for the Lord.

As he gives of that which he receives, his capacity for receiv-

ing is increased. Room is made for fresh supplies of grace and

truth. Clearer light, increased knowledge, are his. On this giving

and receiving depend the life and growth of the church. He

who receives, but never gives, soon ceases to receive. If the

truth does not flow from him to others, he loses his capacity

to receive. We must impart the goods of heaven, if we would

receive fresh blessing."—Counsels

on Stewardship,

page 36.



THINK IT THROUGH



Why is it unsafe for me to rely on emotions and appeals

to determine when and how much to give?

"Here [2 Cor. 8:7] benevolence is placed by the side of faith,

love, and Christian diligence. Those who think that they can

be good Christians, and close their ears and hearts to the

calls of God for their liberalities, are in a fearful deception.

There are those who abound in professions of great love for

the truth, and, so far as words are concerned, have an interest

to see the truth advance, but who do nothing for its advance-

ment. The faith of such is dead, not being made perfect by

works. The Lord never made such a mistake as to convert a

soul and leave it under the power of covetousness."—Testi-

monies,

Vol. 3, p. 393.



FURTHER STUDY



Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 340, 341.

3—AQT 4-73

The Motive for Giving

LESSON 4



❑

Friday

October 26

Part 6

LOVE VOLUNTEERS

John 10:17, 18

What was Christ's example of initiative in giving?

"Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down

my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from

me, but I lay it down of myself."

Love volunteers. Love makes a gift of itself. It is open, ex-

pansive, and receptive; not closed and narrowed by self-inter-

ests.

Regardless of the urgency of the need, its importance or

merit, the basic motive for giving is love. Love is impartial.

Jesus gave Himself. His gift was not for any special class or

group. Whosoever will may receive Him. He will satisfy the

needs of the life, regardless of the amount needed or who and

where it is. This is the example we are to follow.

Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He gave with

the correct motive and with joy. (Heb. 12:2.) He was not

deterred by the ingratitude or mistakes of others. Following

His example, we should voluntarily give ourselves to God.

"To give or to labor when our sympathies are moved, and

to withhold our gifts or service when the emotions are not

stirred, is an unwise and dangerous course. If we are con-

trolled by impulse or mere human sympathy, then a few in-

stances where our efforts for others are repaid with ingratitude,

or where our gifts are abused or squandered, will be sufficient

to freeze up the springs of beneficence. Christians should act

from fixed principle, following the Saviour's example of self-

denial and self-sacrifice."—Counsels

on Stewardship,

page 25.

THINK IT THROUGH



Is my love for God demonstrated by a flow of my life to

Him and to my fellowmen?

FURTHER STUDY'

"This world was established and is sustained by the com-

passionate love of the ,Creator. God is the giver of all we have.

He calls• upon us to return to Him a portion of the abundance

He has bestowed on us. Think of the care He gives the earth,

sending the rain and sunshine in their season, to cause vege-

tation to flourish. He bestows His favors on the just and on the

unjust. Shall not the recipients of His blessings show their

gratitude by giving of their means to help suffering human-

ity? ...

"Think of the Saviour's matchless love. While we were yet

sinners, Christ died to save us from eternal death. In return

for the great love wherewith Christ has loved you, you are to

bring to Him your thank offering. You are to make a gratitude

offering of yourself. Your time, your talents, your means—all

are to flow to the world in a tide of love for the saving of the

lost."—Testimonies,

Vol. 9, p. 50.

Messages to Young People,

pages 24, 25.

LIFE'S CENTER

LESSON 5

October 28-November

"When once the gaze is fixed upon .\

Him, the life finds its center. The enthusi-

asm, the generous devotion, the passionate

ardor, of the youth find here their true object.

Duty becomes

delight and sacrifice a pleas-

ure. To honor Christ, to become like Him, to

work for Him, is the life's highest ambition

and its greatest

joy."—Education,

p. 297.

"For I have no man likeminded, who

will naturally care for your state. For

all seek their own, not the things which

are Jesus Christ's." Phil. 2:20, 21.

The root question in measuring the

quality of human life is, "What is the

center of your life?" There may appear

to be many possible answers to this

question, but answers grow out of two

life orientations. The life of every person

is centered in God or in self. Since a

self-centered existence is the principle

of Satan's rebellion, then to live a self-

centered life is really the same as to

live a Satan-centered life.

"God is the great center. From Him

all life proceeds. To Him all service,

homage, and allegiance belong. For

all created beings there is the one great

principle of life—dependence upon and

co-operation with God. The relationship

existing in the pure family of God in

3-AQT 4-73

heaven was to exist in the family of God

on earth. Under God, Adam was to stand

at the head of the earthly family to

maintain the principles of the heavenly

family. This would have brought peace

and happiness. But the law that none

'liveth to himself' Satan was determined

to oppose. He desired to live for self.

He sought to make himself a center of

influence. It was this that incited rebel-

lion in heaven, and it was man's accept-

ance of this principle that brought sin

on earth. When Adam sinned, man broke

away from the heaven-ordained center.

A demon became the central power in

the world. Where God's throne should

have been, Satan had placed his throne.

The world laid its homage, as a willing

offering, at the feet of the enemy."—

Testimonies,

Vol. 6, p. 236.

In our lesson this week we will note

self-centeredness in the human life, its

results, and how it may be overcome.

Life's Center

LESSON 5



❑

Sunday

October 28

"But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.

I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if

another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How

can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and

seek not the honour that cometh from God only?"

These verses set forth the difference between Jesus and

the Jews who were opposing Him. Jesus' life was centered in

God. His opponents could not understand that kind of life, for

their lives were centered in themselves. Their lives ministered

to their own glory instead of to God's glory, and they thus

put themselves in God's place in their experience. They were

idolators, and self was their god. Thus it is with all who live

self-centered, or selfish, lives. They are guilty of self-idolatry.

"The law of love calls for the devotion of body, mind, and

soul to the service of God and our fellow men. And this service,

while making us a blessing to others, brings the greatest bless-

ing to ourselves. Unselfishness underlies all true development.

Through unselfish service we receive the highest culture of

every faculty. More and more fully do we become partakers

of the divine nature. We are fitted for heaven, for we receive

heaven into our

hearts."—Education,

page 16.

"Unselfishness, the principle of God's kingdom, is the prin-

ciple that Satan hates; its very existence he denies. From the

beginning of the great controversy he has endeavored to prove

God's principles of action to be selfish, and he deals in the

same way with all who serve God. To disprove Satan's claim

is the work of Christ and of all who bear His name.

"It was to give in His own life an illustration of unselfishness

that Jesus came in the form of humanity. And all who accept

this principle are to be workers together with Him in demon-

strating it in practical life. To choose the right because it is

right; to stand for truth at the cost of suffering and sacrifice

—`this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their

righteousness is of Me, saith the Lord.' Isaiah

54:17."—Educa-

tion,

pages 154, 155.



THINK IT THROUGH



What forms of selfishness seek control of my life?

"What revelations will be made in the day of judgment!

Many who have called themselves Christians will be found to

have been not servants of God, but servants of themselves.

Self has been their center; self-service has been their lifework.

By living to please themselves and to gain all they could for

themselves, they have crippled and dwarfed the capabilities

and powers entrusted to them by God. They have not dealt

honestly with God. Their lives have been one long system of

robbery."—Counsels

on Stewardship,

page 128.



FURTHER STUDY



Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 24-26.

Part 1

WHAT IS

SELFISHNESS?

John 5:42-44

Life's Center

LESSON 5



❑

Monday

October

Part 2

RESULTS OF

SELF ATTITUDES

John 5:30-32

What elements of a selfless life are recorded in the follow-

ing text?

"I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and

my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but

the will of the Father which hath sent me. If I bear witness of

myself, my witness is not true. There is another that beareth

witness of me; and I know that the witness which he wit-

nesseth of me is true."

Jesus' life on earth was a lesson in self-denial. His selfless

life was a continual demonstration of the principle of love in

action. He withheld nothing. He did only the will of His Father

and sought only the Father's glory or reputation.

Selfishness causes a person to withhold from God what is

rightfully His. Selfishness is at the root of unfaithful steward-

ship in all areas of life. It causes a person to deceive himself

and to attempt to deceive God. Such a person wishes it to

appear as though his life has been given to God.

Explain the relation of selfishness and deceit in the ex-

perience of Ananias and Sapphira. Acts 5:3.

Consider what selfishness does to man:

"It is earthliness and selfishness that separate from

God."—Testimonies,

Vol. 5, p. 254.

"It is selfishness that causes variance in the family circle

and in the

church."—Testimonies,

Vol. 4, p. 610.

"Selfishness and love of display have been corrupting

the heart and deteriorating the character."—Testimonies, Vol.

4, p. 638.

"It is vain for others to seek to please you, for you could

not please yourself, even if all your wishes were indulged. You

are a capricious child and have become sick of yourself through

very selfishness."—Testimonies, Vol. 2, p. 325.



THINK IT THROUGH



What do my actions reveal about the principles by which

I make decisions?

"These offerings were varied according to the donor's esti-

mate of the blessings which he was privileged to enjoy. Thus

the characters of the people were plainly developed. Those

who placed a high value upon the blessings which God be-

stowed upon them brought offerings in accordance with this

appreciation of His blessings. Those whose moral powers were

stupefied and benumbed by selfishness and idolatrous love of

the favors received, rather than inspired by fervent love for

their bountiful Benefactor, brought meager offerings. Thus their

hearts were revealed."—Testimonies, Vol. 2, p. 598.



FURTHER STUDY



Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 27-30.

Life's Center

LESSON 5



❑

Tuesday

October 30

Part 3

SELFISHNESS

AND THE CHURCH

Rev. 3:11

THINK IT THROUGH

"Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods,

and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art

wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked."

God counsels the church, in verse 18, to look away from

self and to look to Him. He is here speaking to a church which

is deceiving itself. It does not realize that it is wretched, miser-

able, blind, and naked. Selfishness has affected the under-

standing so severely as to be compared with being unaware of

the loss of possessions, sight, and clothing.

"The sin that is most nearly hopeless and incurable is pride

of opinion, self-conceit. This stands in the way of all growth."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 7, pp. 199, 200.

Selfishness causes the church to feel self-sufficient, having

great profession but with little vital godliness and true piety.

Consider what selfishness does to the church.

"Selfishness is driving benevolence and the love of Christ

from the

church."—Testimonies,

Vol. 5, p. 205.

"It is this increasing devotion to money getting, the sel-

fishness which the desire for gain begets, that removes the

favor of God from the church and deadens its spirituality."—

Testimonies,

Vol. 4, p. 82.

"Selfishness has brought discord into the church, filling

it with unholy ambition."—Counsels

on Stewardship,

page 24.

What, in the following reference, indicates the nature of

the straying sheep? Isa. 53:6.

Sheep who follow self, or go their "own way," are heading

for trouble. Unity, direction, and purpose are the results of

following the shepherd. Today the lost people of the world

need to see a "selfless" flock which they can join and accom-

pany into the kingdom.

Am I following the Shepherd, or going my own way?

"The house where God is worshiped should be in accord-

ance with His character and majesty. There are small churches

that ever will be small because they place their own interests

above the interests of God's cause. While they have large,

convenient houses for themselves, and are constantly improv-

ing their premises, they are content to have a most unsuitable

place for the worship of God, where His holy presence is to

dwell."—Testimonies,

Vol. 5, pp. 268, 269.

"The sin of these last days is upon the professed people of

God. Through selfishness, love of pleasure, and love of dress,

they deny the Christ that their church membership says that

they are following."—Testimonies

to Ministers,

page 129.

FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 5, pp. 202-207.

Life's Center

LESSON 5



❑

Wednesday

October 31



Part 4



What principle for identification of false prophets also

THE FRUITS OF

reveals the condition of the inner life?



SELFISHNESS



"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes

Matt. 1:16, 11

of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth

forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit."

The fruits of selfishness are not always visible to the selfish

individual. Selfishness may seem to be sweet and satisfying in

its early stages. However, as it grows and ripens, it bears a

fruit which is unsavory. It is a poison which destroys character.

The end result is eternal death.

What fruits of selfishness did Paul prophesy would char-

acterize the last days? 2 Tim. 3:2-5.

"God cannot pour out His Spirit when selfishness and self-

indulgence are so manifest."—Counsels

on Stewardship,

page

52. Life is taken up with self. There is no room for the Holy

Spirit to dwell in the life. It is the Holy Spirit which adds power

to the life and the gospel. "Nothing saps spirituality from the

soul more quickly than to enclose it in selfishness and self-

caring."—Counsels

on Stewardship,

page 27.

"The Holy Spirit illuminies our darkness, informs our igno-

rance, and understands and helps us in our manifold necessi-

ties. But the mind must be constantly going out after God. If

coldness and worldliness are allowed to come in, we shall have

no heart to pray, no courage to look up to Him who is the

source of strength and wisdom. Then pray always, dear

brethren and sisters, 'lifting up holy hands, without wrath and

doubting.' Urge your requests to the throne of grace, and rely

upon God hour by hour and moment by moment. The service

of Christ will regulate all your relations with your fellow men

and make your life fruitful in good works.

"Let none imagine that selfishness, self-esteem, and self-

indulgence are compatible with the Spirit of Christ."—Testi-

monies,

Vol. 5, p. 410.

Selfishness will destroy one's Christian experience. "Selfish

interest, if given room to act, dwarfs the mind and hardens the

heart; if allowed to control, it destroys moral power. Then dis-

appointment

comes."—Messages to Young People,

page 150.

"Doubts, jealousies, and suspicion are the fruits of selfish-

ness, and seem to be interwoven with their very natures. I shall

name this class chronic church grumblers. They do more harm

in a church than two ministers can

undo."—Evangelism,

pages

370, 371.



THINK IT THROUGH



What fruit does my life bear?



FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"Talents—The Talent Removed,"

pages 364, 365.

Life's Center

LESSON 5



❑

Thursday

November 1

Part 5

COLLECTIVE

SELFISHNESS

Haggai 1:9

What condition developed among the returnees from Baby-

lon as a result of selfish neglect of God's house?

"Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when

ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the Lord

of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run

every man unto his own house."

The experience related in this text was a collective selfish-

ness. The Jews neglected to rebuild the temple while they

built houses for themselves.

Two common forms of collective selfishness are seen when

the members of a local church (1) refrain from adequately

supporting God's work in their local church and community, or,

(2) withhold their support from needs beyond their immediate

area of personal interest.

"Every soul united to Christ will be a living missionary to

all around him. He will labor for those near and those afar

off. He will have no sectional feeling, no interest merely to

build up one branch of the work over which he presides and

there let his zeal end. All will work with interest to make every

branch strong. There will be no self-love, no selfish interest.

The cause is one, the truth a great whole.

"Well may the question be asked with earnest, anxious

heart, 'Is envy cherished, is jealousy permitted to find a place

in my heart?' If so, Christ is not there. 'Do I love the law of

God, is the love of Jesus Christ in my heart?' If we love one

another as Christ has loved us then we are getting ready for

the blessed heaven of peace and rest. There is no struggling

there to be first, to have the supremacy; all will love their

neighbor as themselves. Oh, that God would open the under-

standing and speak to the hearts of our churches by arousing

the individual

members."—Selected Messages,

Bk. 2, pp. 381,

382.

When a church refuses to assume its responsibilities within

the worldwide organization, it is setting an example to each

local member to refuse to assume individual responsibility to

the local church. The church cannot expect loyalty from its

members for part of its local program when it is not loyal to

its obligations for the worldwide work of the church.



THINK IT THROUGH



In what ways am I contributing to collective selfishness or

unselfishness in my church?

"Selfishness, the sin of the world, has become the prevailing

sin of the

church."—Testimonies,

Vol. 5, p. 204.



FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"The Sower Went Forth to Sow,"

pages 49, 50.

Life's Center

LESSON 5



Friday

November 2



Part 6



am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not

HOW TO I.

but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the

OVERCOME

flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and

SELFISHNESS

gave himself for me."



Gal 2:20



The conquest over the sinful self Paul describes as a cru-

cifixion, and the subsequent life he attributes to faith in Jesus.

"Human nature is ever struggling for expression, ready for

contest; but he who learns of Christ is emptied of self, of pride,

of love of supremacy, and there is silence in the soul. Self is

yielded to the disposal of the Holy Spirit. Then we are not

anxious to have the highest place. We have no ambition to

crowd and elbow ourselves into notice; but we feel that our

highest place is at the feet of our Saviour. We look to Jesus,

waiting for His hand to lead, listening for His voice to guide."

—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

page 15.

"Everything good in men and women is the fruit of the work-

ing of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit teaches us to reveal righteous-

ness in our lives. The greatest work that can be done in our

world is to glorify God by living the character of Christ. God

will make perfect only those who will die to self. Those who

are willing to do this can say, 'I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth

in me.' "—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol. 6, p. 1109.

This death of the self is not a once-for-all experience.

"Paul's sanctification was the result of a constant conflict with

self. He said: 'I die daily.' 1 Corinthians 15:31. His will and his

desires every day conflicted with duty and the will of God.

Instead of following inclination, he did God's will, however

crucifying to his own nature.



THINK IT THROUGH



How complete is my surrender of self to God?

"I saw that those who are thus prospered can thwart the

design of Satan if they will overcome their selfish covetousness

by laying all their possessions upon the altar of God. And when

they see where means are needed to advance the cause of

truth and to help the widow, the fatherless, and afflicted, they

should give cheerfully and thus lay up treasure in heaven.

"Heed the counsel of the True

Witness."—Testimonies,

Vol.

1, p. 142.

"Men and women may reach God's ideal for them if they

will take Christ as their Helper. Make an unreserved surrender

to God. To know that you are striving for eternal life will

strengthen and comfort you. Christ can give you power to

overcome. By His help you can utterly destroy the root of sel-

fishness."—Testimonies, Vol. 7, p. 49.



FURTHER STUDY



Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

on Matt. 5:5, pages

15, 16.

LESSON 6

November 4-10

SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE

"The steadfast love of the Lord never

ceases, his mercies never come to an

end; they are new every morning; great

is thy faithfulness." Lam. 3:22, 23, RSV.

The title for this week's lesson is a

term that comes from the early days of

Adventist development—Systematic Be-

nevolence. "In its general meaning it

represents the principle of denomina-

tional financing followed from the 1850's

to the present. As a specific term it ap-

plied specifically to the method of fi-

nancing denominational evangelistic

work until the late 1870's, when the pres-

ent system of tithes and offerings was

recommended and generally adopted."

—SDA Encyclopedia,

page 1287.

Since this lesson is not a historical

study of systematic benevolence, it is

in the general meaning that the term is

used here, thus including the plan of

tithes and freewill offerings as practiced

by the SDA Church today. It should be

noted, however, that the use of the term

"systematic benevolence" in Ellen G.

White quotations is in the specific sense

of the plan followed until about 1879.

Since the principles of stewardship in-

volved in both meanings is the same, ex-

cept for the concept of tithe, the quota-

tions have been included here without

explanation in regard to the historical

context.

"This system is so arranged that men

may give something from their wages

every day and lay by for their Lord a

portion of the profits of every invest-

ment. The constant practice of God's

plan of systematic benevolence weak-

ens covetousness and strengthens be-

nevolence. If riches increase, men, even

those professing godliness, set their

hearts upon them; and the more they

have, the less they give to the treasury

of the Lord. Thus riches make men sel-

fish, and hoarding feeds covetousness;

and these evils strengthen by active ex-

ercise."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 548.

Systematic Benevolence

LESSON 6



❑

Sunday

November 4



Part 1



What reason did Jesus give for His warning against cove-

PURPOSE OF

tousness?



SYSTEMATIC



"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of cove-

BENEVOLENCE

tousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of

Luke 12:15

the things which he possesseth."

Systematic benevolence is designed to combat covetousness

by encouraging believers to give as frequently as they receive

increase. The abundance of possessions is not always a bless-

ing to the owner. The mind may become so occupied in caring

for or seeking to increase one's holdings, or in buying to satisfy

one's desires, that God is left out of the thoughts. The constant

attention to

holdings and desires makes a self-centered

situation that produces a selfish character. By diverting one's

thoughts and means to the needs of God's cause and the needs

of one's fellowmen, the self-centeredness is broken up and a

new center is formed in God.

Dissatisfaction with what we are or have, the desire for more,

leads us either to want more things or to seek the real reason

for our dissatisfaction. God encourages us to seek Him who

will bring satisfaction, purpose, and meaning to life.

"The system of benevolence was arranged to prevent that

great evil, covetousness. Christ saw that in the prosecution of

business the love of riches would be the greatest cause of

rooting true godliness out of the heart. He saw that the love

of money would freeze deep and hard into men's souls, stop-

ping the flow of generous impulses and closing their senses to

the wants of the suffering and the afflicted."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 547.

The idea of systematic giving also sharpens recognition of

the constancy of the needs of the church and the world. These

needs are as constant as my needs. The provision for God's

work should be as frequent as my provision for myself.

What reason did David give for asking the question about

why he and his people were able to offer so willingly to God?

1 Chron. 29:14.



THINK IT THROUGH



the principle of systematic benevolence limited to

money? Or how else might it be applied?

"He

has ordained that giving should become a habit, that

it may counteract the dangerous and deceitful sin of covetous-

ness. Continual giving starves covetousness to death. Syste-

matic benevolence is designed in the order of God to tear away

treasures from the covetous as fast as they are gained and to

consecrate them to the Lord, to whom they belong."—Testi-

monies,

Vol. 3, p. 548.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 3, pp. 389-392.

Systematic Benevolence

LESSON 6



❑

Monday

November 5

Part 2

A BLESSING TO MAN

1 Tim. 6:16,19

What admonition does Paul give to those who are "rich in

this world"?

"That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready

to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for

themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that

they may lay hold on eternal life."

An important objective of systematic benevolence is to help

the believer in the development of Christian character. "God

planned the system of beneficence, in order that man might

become like his Creator, benevolent and unselfish in character,

and finally be a partaker with Christ in the eternal, glorious

reward."—Counsels

on Stewardship,

page 15. Systematic giv-

ing is a blessing to you and a blessing to your fellowmen.

What was Paul's attitude toward the Corinthian believers?

2 Cor. 12:15.

God cannot save a person who gives only a fraction of his

life to Him. He is seeking to develop the whole man.

"God's providence has arranged the entire plan of syste-

matic benevolence for the benefit of man. His providence never

stands still. If God's servants follow His opening providence,

all will be active

workers."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 399. Paul's

life was a living demonstration of continual giving. He even

welcomed death as the fulfillment of service.



THINK IT THROUGH



In what ways have I been blessed as a result of faithful-

ness in giving systematically?

"I saw that in the arrangement of systematic benevolence,

hearts will be tested and proved. It is a constant, living test. It

brings one to understand his own heart, to see whether the

truth or the love of the world predominates. Here is a test for

the naturally selfish and covetous. They will put down their

possessions at very low figures."—Testimonies, Vol. 1, p. 221.

Note:

This last sentence refers to the plan recommended in

Adventist papers in the early 1860's of making contributions to

the cause on property holdings, as well as income, as though

these properties increased in value at a rate of 10 percent

annually, the going rate for money in savings accounts. See

SDA Encyclopedia,

page 1287.

"The plan of systematic benevolence will prove a safe-

guard to every family against temptations to spend means for

needless things, and especially will it prove a blessing to the

rich by guarding them from indulging in extravagances."—

Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 412.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 3,

pp.

393-396.

Systematic Benevolence

LESSON 6



❑

Tuesday

November 6

Part 3

A BLESSING

TO THE CHURCH

Luke 6:38

What principle of giving did Jesus emphasize?

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure,

pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall

men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that

ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

Here Jesus lays down a principle which holds true whether

it be judging another or giving an offering. We receive as we

have given.

Jesus is seeking to develop a church that gives liberally

of what it has for the purposes of God. A church that is giving

the most is receiving the most from God. "Those churches who

are the most systematic and liberal in sustaining the cause of

God are the most prosperous spiritually. True liberality in the

follower of Christ identifies his interest with that of His Master."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 405. Working churches are spiritually

strong. A body that does not follow God's instructions for

healthful living is weaker than one that does, and a working,

giving, sharing church is much stronger than one that refuses

to give.

"The spiritual health and prosperity of the church is de-

pendent in a great degree upon her systematic benevolence.

It is like the lifeblood which must flow through the whole

being, vitalizing every member of the body. It increases love

for the souls of our fellow men; for by self-denial and self-

sacrifice we are brought into a closer relationship to Christ,

who for our sakes became

poor."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 405.



THINK IT THROUGH



What blessings can I recognize in my church as the result

of our members' faithfulness?

"God is leading His people in the plan of systematic benev-

olence, and this is one of the very points to which God is

bringing up His people which will cut the closest with some."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 1, p. 191.

"Every true Christian will develop in his life the charac-

teristics of this divine love; he will reveal a spirit of forbear-

ance, of beneficence, and a freedom from envy and jealousy.

This character developed in word and act will not repulse, and

will not be unapproachable, cold, and indifferent to the inter-

ests of others. The person who cultivates the precious plant

of love will be self-denying in spirit, and will not yield self-

control even under provocation. He will not impute wrong mo-

tives and evil intentions to others, but will feel deeply over sin

when discovered in any of the disciples of Christ."—Testi-

monies,

Vol. 5, p. 123.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 1, pp. 189-192.

Systematic Benevolence

LESSON 6



❑

Wednesday

November 7

Part 4

NO CALLS

NECESSARY

Rev. 13:8

THINK IT THROUGH

What does Rev. 13:8 imply as to the time when the plan

of salvation was formed?

"And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him,

whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb

slain from the foundation of the world."

God provided salvation for us before we existed. If we come

as close as we can to following the example of God in our

salvation, we shall give for His cause even before the need is

apparent for which our gift will eventually be used.

"God has devised a plan by which all may give as He has

prospered them, and which will make giving a habit without

waiting for special calls. Those who can do this, but will not

because of their selfishness, are robbing their Creator, who has

bestowed upon them means to invest in His cause to advance

its interest."—Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 411.

The apparent necessity for appeals for funds in church is an

affront to God. It is offensive to visitors and detracts from the

spirit of worship. From where, then, will the church receive

the means needed to carry on the work? From following God's

plan of systematic benevolence in returning to Him His own.

God has made full provision for His work. He has given ex-

plicit instructions which He asks His leaders to carry out.

"Ministers have neglected to enforce gospel beneficence. The

subject of tithes and offerings has not been dwelt upon as it

should have

been."—Testimonies,

Vol. 5, p. 382.

Not upon the minister alone rests the responsibility of kindly

explaining God's plans, and their spiritual and financial mean-

ing and possibilities. He is to be assisted by those elected to

serve with him. "Let the elders and officers of the church follow

the direction of the Sacred Word, and urge upon their members

the necessity of faithfulness in the payment of pledges, tithes,

and offerings."—Counsels

on Stewardship,

page 107.

Under what circumstances did Jesus give His life for us?

Rom. 5:6-8.

How spontaneous are my gifts for God's work?

"Greater effort should be put forth by responsible men in

the different churches to have all follow the plan of God's

arrangement. If systematic benevolence is carried out, the ur-

gent calls at the camp meetings for means for various enter-

prises will not be necessary."—Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 411.

FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 3, pp. 401-405.

Systematic Benevolence

LESSON 6



❑

Thursday

November

Part 5

RESULTS IF

NEGLECTED

Neh. 13:10-12

What evil resulted from Judah's delinquency in benevo-

lence?

"And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not

been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the

work, were fled every one to his field. Then contended I with

the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken?

And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.

Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new

wine and the oil unto the treasuries."

This experience of Nehemiah and the people of Judah brings

into focus a searching question that could be asked today

wherever the work of God languishes: "Why is the house of

God forsaken?" One of the most serious neglects by a person,

family, church, or conference is the neglect to provide for

God's work.

Is it still true today as it was in the 1860's that "there has

been a neglect in the churches of keeping up the plan of sys-

tematic benevolence, and the result has been an impoverished

treasury and a backslidden

church"?—Testimonies,

Vol. 3,

p. 409.

"Self-surrender is the substance of the teachings of Christ.

Often it is presented and enjoined in language that seems

authoritative, because there is no other way to save man than

to cut away those things which, if entertained, will demoralize

the whole being.

"When Christ's followers give back to the Lord His own,

they are accumulating treasure which will be given to them

when they shall hear the words, 'Well done, good and faithful

servant; .. . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.' "—The

Desire

of Ages,

page 523.



THINK IT THROUGH



What reasons are there for my increased faithfulness in

stewardship?

"Whenever God's people, in any period of the world, have

cheerfully and willingly carried out His plan in systematic

benevolence and in gifts and offerings, they have realized the

standing promise that prosperity should attend all their labors

just in proportion as they obeyed His requirements. When they

acknowledged the claims of God and complied with His re-

quirements, honoring Him with their substance, their barns

were filled with plenty. But when they robbed God in tithes

and in offerings they were made to realize that they were not

only robbing Him but themselves, for He limited His blessings

to them just in proportion as they limited their offerings to

Him."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 395.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 3, pp. 408-410.

Systematic Benevolence

LESSON 6



❑

Friday

November



Part 6



What instruction did God give to Israel for the three annual

GOD'S OWN PLAN

convocations?



Deut. 16:17



"Every man shall give as he is able, according to the bless-

ing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee."

The plan that God established was fair. Gifts to Him were

to be determined by the giver's prosperity, and the giver was

the one who determined what he was able to give.

"Anciently the Lord instructed His people to assemble three

times a year for His worship. To these holy convocations the

children of Israel came, bringing to the house of God their

tithes, their sin offerings, and their offerings of gratitude. They

met to recount God's mercies, to make known His wonderful

works, and to offer praise and thanksgiving to His name. And

they were to unite in the sacrificial service which pointed to

Christ as the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the

world. Thus they were to be preserved from the corrupting

power of worldliness and idolatry. Faith and love and gratitude

were to be kept alive in their hearts, and through their asso-

ciation together in this sacred service they were to be bound

closer to God and to one

another."—Testimonies,

Vol. 6,

39.

"The simplicity of the plan of systematic benevolence does

not detract from its merits, but extols the wisdom of God in

its arrangement. Everything bearing the divine stamp unites

simplicity with

utility."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 409.

"While in poverty, many regard systematic giving as a Bible

requirement; but when they come into possession of money

or property, they do not acknowledge God's claim upon them.

They look upon their means as their own."—Ellen G. White

Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol. 3, p. 1130. One needs

to consider seriously whether or not, and to what degree, he

has been affected by such reasoning.



THINK IT THROUGH



In what way has prosperity, or poverty, affected my sys-

tematic benevolence?

"Our Redeemer, who knew man's danger in regard to cove-

tousness, has provided a safeguard against this dreadful evil.

He has arranged the plan of salvation so that it begins and

ends in benevolence. Christ offered Himself, an infinite sacri-

fice. This, in and of itself, bears directly against covetousness

and exalts benevolence.

"Constant, self-denying benevolence is God's remedy for

the cankering sins of selfishness and covetousness. God has

arranged systematic benevolence to sustain His cause and

relieve the necessities of the suffering and needy."—Testi-

monies,

Vol. 3, p. 548.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 3, pp. 389-392.

LESSON 7

November 11-17

DISINTERESTED BENEVOLENCE

"And he went a little farther, and

fell on his face, and prayed, saying,

0 my Father, if it be possible, let this

cup pass from me: nevertheless not as

I will, but as thou wilt." Matt. 26:39.

The term "disinterested benevolence"

was used by Ellen G. White in five pri-

mary references, and it is from her use

of the term that the title of this week's

lesson is derived. The meaning of this

expression as used here must be deter-

mined by the sense in which Ellen G.

White used it. By this she means that

which is opposite to selfish interest—

sacrifice for another's benefit, or care

for the unfortunate.

In four of the above five references

Jesus Christ is the example given of

what disinterested benevolence is. The

first dictionary meaning for "benevo-

lence" is the "kindly disposition to do

4-AQT 4-73

good," and the relevant meaning for

"disinterest" is "free from selfish mo-

tive or interest." The two words com-

bined then, mean the disposition to do

good without selfish motive or interest.

This is the same sense in which Ellen G.

White used the term, and then used

Christ's life to illustrate it.

Our lesson this week will follow that

lead, noting the disinterested benev-

olence of our Lord, and then how this

trait can be lived by the Christian today.

The article by Ellen G. White

which follows this lesson was

printed in the

Review and Her-

ald,

July 13, 1886. "The Sin of

Selfishness" is to be read as

supplementary material with

this week's lesson.

Disinterested Benevolence

LESSON 7



❑

Sunday

November 11

Part 1

JESUS BECAME

POOR

2 Car. 8:9

What evidence of Christ's "disinterested benevolence" do

you find in 2 Cor. 8:9?

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that,

though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that

ye through his poverty might be rich."

"Paul presents his pattern, his ideal. Christ had given Him-

self to a life of poverty that they might become rich in heavenly

treasure. He would refresh their memories in regard to the

sacrifice made in their behalf. Christ was commander in the

heavenly courts, yet He took the lowest place in this world.

He was rich, yet for our sakes, He became poor. It was not

spiritual riches that He left behind; He was always abounding

in the gifts of the Spirit. But He was of poor parentage. The

world never saw its Lord wealthy."—Ellen G. White Com-

ments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol. 6, p. 1104.

What further change in the existence and experience of

the Son of God points to His selflessness? Phil. 2:5-7.

"Under the mighty impulse of His love, He took our place

in the universe, and invited the Ruler of all things to treat Him

as a representative of the human family. He identified Himself

with our interests, bared His breast for the stroke of death,

took man's guilt and its penalty, and offered in man's behalf

a complete sacrifice to God. By virtue of this atonement, He

has power to offer to man perfect righteousness and full sal-

vation. Whosoever shall believe on Him as a personal Saviour

shall not perish, but have everlasting life."—Ellen G. White

Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol. 7, pp. 924, 925.

Paul's reference to Christ's equality with the Father reminds

us of the depth of Christ's selfless interests in man. His com-

pletely "disinterested" gift of Himself—His whole being—be-

came the ruling desire and principle of His life. Consider three

steps involved in this process:

Christ left His place and position in heaven.

He took upon Himself the form of a servant, or slave.

He did the will of His Father.



THINK IT THROUGH



Was Jesus, in His human life, "underprivileged"?

"God gave His Son to die for sinful human beings a death

of ignominy and shame. He who was Commander in the heav-

enly courts laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, and

clothing His divinity with humanity, came to this world to stand

at the head of the human race as the pattern-man."—Ellen G.

White Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol. 7, p. 904.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pages 43, 44.

Disinterested Benevolence

LESSON 7



1111 Monday

November 12

Part 2

SELFLESS SERVICE

John 13:3.5

By what act did Jesus teach the ideal relation of the dis-

ciples to other persons? What is this relation? Read also

verses 12-15.

"Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into

his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

he riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took

a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into

a boson, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe

them with the towel wherewith he was girded."

"To those who receive the spirit of this service, it can never

become a mere ceremonial. Its constant lesson will be, 'By

love serve one another.' Gal. 5:13. In washing the feet of His

disciples, Christ gave evidence that He would do any service,

however humble, that would make them heirs with Him of the

eternal wealth of heaven's treasure. His disciples, in perform-

ing the same rite, pledge themselves in like manner to serve

their brethren. Whenever this ordinance is rightly celebrated,

the children of God are brought into a holy relationship, to

help and bless each other. They covenant that the life shall

be given to unselfish ministry. And this, not only for one an-

other. Their field of labor is as wide as their Master's was.

The world is full of those who need our ministry. The poor, the

helpless, the ignorant, are on every hand. Those who have

communed with Christ in the upper chamber will go forth to

minister as He did."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 651.

"The ordinance of feet washing is an ordinance of service.

This is the lesson the Lord would have all learn and practice.

When this ordinance is rightly celebrated, the children of God

are brought into holy relationship with each other, to help and

bless each other.

"That His people might not be misled by the selfishness

which dwells in the natural heart, and which strengthens by

self-serving, Christ Himself set us an example of humility. He

would not leave this great subject in man's charge. Of so

much consequence did He regard it that He Himself, One equal

with

God, washed the feet of His disciples [John 13:13-17

quoted]....

"It is to reveal the great truth that Christ is an example of

what we through His grace are to be in our intercourse with

each other. It shows that the entire life should be one of hum-

ble, faithful ministry."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible

Commentary,

Vol. 5, pp. 1138, 1139.



THINK IT THROUGH



In what ways do I need to begin practicing the lesson of

the ordinance of feet washing?



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pages 649-651.

Disinterested Benevolence

LESSON 7



Tuesday

November 13

Part 3

THE UNRESTRICTED

GIFT

Matt. 26:39

Even when facing death, how did Jesus relate to the

Father's will?

"And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and

prayed, saying, 0 my Father, if it be possible, let this cup

pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."

This experience of Jesus is an illustration of love and dis-

interested benevolence. Jesus did not say, "No one else is

being asked to give as much as I am. They won't appreciate

my gift anyway. Why should I give?" Jesus knew many would

never accept His gift, yet He gave. He realized that some would

actually misuse His gift of life, but He gave it anyway. Why

did He? Why should I? Because He viewed the purpose for

which He gave as more valuable than the gift itself. The pur-

pose of Jesus' gift was the salvation of a person. The gift was

His life.

Consider again the unrestricted nature of God's gift. John

3:16.

Self-interest and personal advantage have sometimes been

the basis for giving. Such motives for giving make the gift

not really a gift at all, but a kind of purchase, because one

is seeking advantage for which he is willing to pay the price

of the gift. The Father and the Son sought advantage only for

the creatures of the universe. Their's was a true gift.

What words in Christ's invitation show that His relationship

with people is impartial? Matt. 11:28.



THINK IT THROUGH



In what ways do my attitudes and responses demonstrate

Christlike benevolence? In what ways not?

"Christ recognized no distinction of nationality or rank or

creed. The Scribes and Pharisees desired to make a local and

a national benefit of all the gifts of heaven and to exclude

the rest of God's family in the world. But Christ came to break

down every wall of partition. He came to show that His gift

of mercy and love is as unconfined as the air, the light, or the

showers of rain that refresh the earth.

"The life of Christ established a religion in which there is

no caste, a religion by which Jew and Gentile, free and bond,

are linked in a common brotherhood, equal before God. No

question of policy influenced His movements. He made no dif-

ference between neighbors and strangers, friends and enemies.

That which appealed to His heart was a soul thirsting for the

waters of

life."—Testimonies,

Vol. 9, pp. 190, 191.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 4, pp. 55-57.

Disinterested Benevolence

LESSON 7



❑

Wednesday

November 14



Part 4



What attitude of Lucifer was the root of his fall?

BENEVOLENCE



PERVERTED



"How art thou fallen from heaven, 0 Lucifer, son of the

Isa. 14:12-14

morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst

weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will

ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of

God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the

sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the

clouds; I will be like the most High."

THINK IT THROUGH

Speaking to the angelic host, Satan "introduced his subject,

which was himself. . . . He stated to them that he had called

them together to assure them that he no longer would submit

to this invasion of his rights and theirs; that never would he

again bow down to Christ; that he would take the honor upon

himself which should have been conferred upon him, and would

be the commander of all who would submit to follow him and

obey his voice."—The

Story of Redemption,

pages 14, 15.

"The greatness and power with which the Creator endowed

Lucifer, he has perverted; yet when it suits his purpose, he can

impart to men sentiments that are enchanting. Satan can inspire

his agents with thoughts that appear elevating and noble. Did

he not come to Christ with quotations of Scripture when he

designed to overthrow Him with specious temptations? It is

thus that he comes to men, disguising his temptations under

an appearance of goodness and making them believe him to

be the friend rather than the enemy of humanity. In this way

he has deceived and seduced the race, beguiling them with

subtle temptations, bewildering them with specious decep-

tions."—Counsels

to Teachers,

page 27.

Is my life patterned after the example of Christ or of

Satan?

"I point you to the life of Jesus as a perfect pattern. His

life was characterized by disinterested benevolence. Precious

Saviour! What sacrifices has He made for us that we should

not perish, but have everlasting life! Heaven will be cheap

enough if we resign every selfish interest to obtain it. Can we

afford to have our own way, and take ourselves out of the

hands of God, because it is more pleasing to the natural

heart? God requires perfect submission and perfect obedience.

Eternal life is worth everything to us. You may come in close

connection with God if you will agonize to enter in at the

strait

gate."—Testimonies,

Vol. 4, p. 218.

FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 8, pp. 24, 25.

Disinterested Benevolence

LESSON 7



❑

Thursday

November 15

Part 5

OUR GIFTS TO BE

UNRESTRICTED

2 Car. 5:15

THINK IT THROUGH

Since Jesus died for us, for whom are we to live?

"And that he died for all, that they which live should not

henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for

them, and rose again."

When we give the self to God without restrictions, we no

longer belong to self. We are dead to self. In this time of the

end every member and family in the local congregation should

look for ways to cooperate and assist each other to finish the

the work of God. A spirit of disinterested benevolence, unsel-

fish liberality, would allow God to work miracles among us.

"Unselfish liberality threw the early church into a transport

of joy; for the believers knew that their efforts were helping

to send the gospel message to those in darkness. Their benev-

olence testified that they had not received the grace of God

in vain. What could produce such liberality but the sanctifica-

tion of the Spirit? In the eyes of believers and unbelievers it

was a miracle of grace."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 344.

What directions for sharing the gospel were given to us

by Christ? Mark 16:15.

The gospel message and invitation is open to all persons

in all the world. Each Christian, anywhere in the world, is to

share what he has that another may hear the message and the

invitation of Jesus. God calls us out from our narrow, restricted

sphere. He urges us to expand our thinking and our concept

of a completed work in our own lives and throughout the world.

"The liberality required of the Hebrews was largely to ben-

efit their own nation; today the work of God extends over all

the earth. In the hands of His followers, Christ has placed the

treasures of the gospel, and upon them He has laid the respon-

sibility of giving the glad tidings of salvation to the world.

Surely our obligations are much greater than were those of

ancient Israel."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages 337, 338.

The message—as well as money—must not be restricted by

God's people.

In what ways do my attitudes expand or restrict the

work of my local church?

"They should also feel it a solemn duty to illustrate in their

characters the teachings of Christ, being at peace one with

another and moving in perfect harmony as an undivided whole.

They should defer their individual judgment to the judgment

of the body of the

church."—Testimonies,

Vol. 4, p. 18.

FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol.

pp. 18-20.

Disinterested Benevolence

LESSON 7



❑

Friday

November 16

What is the extent of God's generosity toward us?

"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up

for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all

things?"

What illustration did Jesus give of the Father's impartial

gifts? Matt. 5:45.

"God pours His blessings upon all. 'He maketh His sun to

rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just

and on the unjust.' He is 'kind unto the unthankful and to the

evil.' Luke 6:35. He bids us to be like Him. 'Bless them that

curse you,' said Jesus; 'do good to them that hate you, . . .

that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.'

These are the principles of the law, and they are the well-

springs of life."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 311.

All of our gifts are gifts to Christ if they are given from the

right motive. The question of consequence to the giver is not

how the gift is eventually used, but Why did he give it? Jesus

healed ten lepers, and nine of them, ungrateful, continued their

same old sinful life.

"For the sake of this one man, who would make a right use

of the blessing of health, Jesus healed the whole ten. The

nine passed on without appreciating the work done, and ren-

dered no grateful thanks to Jesus for doing the work."—Testi-

monies,

Vol. 3, p. 180.

"Those self-sacrificing, consecrated ones who render back

to God the things that are His, as He requires of them, will be

rewarded according to their works. Even though the means

thus consecrated be misapplied, so that it does. not accom-

plish the object which the donor had in view,—the glory of

God and the salvation of souls,—those who made the sacrifice

in sincerity of soul, with an eye single to the glory of God, will

not lose their reward.

"Those who have made a wrong use of means dedicated to

God will be required to give an account of their stewardship."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 2, p. 519.

THINK IT THROUGH



As I review my attitudes toward God's work, in what ways

should I change?

Part 6

NO LOST BLESSINGS

Rom. 8:32

"Christ unsparingly condemned abuses, but He was careful

not to lessen obligation. He rebuked the selfishness that ex-

torted and misapplied the widow's gifts. At the same time He

commended the widow who brought her offering to God's

treasury. Man's abuse of the gift could not turn God's blessing

from the giver."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 614.

FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 4, pp. 58, 59.

THE SIN OF SELFISHNESS

Ellen G. White

The simplicity of the truth will ever

lead us to feel a sympathy for others'

woes. There are those who need our

sympathy and our love. To exercise

these traits of character, is a part of

the life work which Christ has given us

all to do.

There exists in the hearts of many an

element of selfishness which clings to

them like the leprosy. They have so long

consulted their own wishes, their own

pleasure and convenience, that they do

not feel that others have claims upon

them. Their thoughts, plans, and efforts

are for themselves. They live for self,

and do not cultivate disinterested benev-

olence, which, if exercised, would in-

crease and strengthen until it would be

their delight to live for others' good.

This selfishness must be seen and over-

come; for it is a grievous sin in the sight

of God. They need to exercise a more

special interest for humanity; and in

thus doing, they would bring their souls

into closer connection with Christ, and

would be imbued with his Spirit, so that

they would cleave to him with so firm a

tenacity that nothing could separate

them from his love.

God will not excuse us for not taking

up the cross, and practicing self-denial,

in doing good to others with unselfish

motives. We may, if we will take the

trouble to make the sef-denial required

of Christians, be qualified, by the grace

of God, to win souls to Christ. God has

claims upon many of us to which we

have never responded. There are those

all around us who hunger for sympathy

and love. But many of us are nearly

destitute of that humble love which

naturally flows out in pity and sympathy

for the destitute, the suffering, and the

needy. The human countenance itself

is a mirror of the soul, read by others,

and leaving a telling influence upon

them for good or evil. God does not call

upon any of us to watch our brethren,

and to repent of their sins. He has left

us a work to do, and calls upon us to

do it resolutely, in his fear, with an eye

single to his glory.

Every one must give to God an ac-

count of himself, not of others, whether

he is faithful or otherwise. Seeing faults

in other professors, and condemning

their course, will not excuse or offset

one error of ours. We should not make

others our criterion, nor excuse any-

thing in our course because others have

done wrong. God has given us con-

sciences for ourselves. Great principles

have been laid down in his word, which

are sufficient to guide us in our Chris-

tian walk and general deportment. Those

have not kept the principles of the law

of God who have never felt the burden

of the duty devolving upon men to his

fellow-men.

"And, behold, a certain lawyer stood

up, and tempted him, saying, Master,

what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

He said unto him, What is written in the

law? how readest thou? And he answer-

ing said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy

God with all thy heart, and with all thy

soul, and with all thy strength, and with

all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thy-

self. And he said unto him, Thou hast

answered right: this do, and thou shalt

live. But he, willing to justify himself,

said unto Jesus, And who is my neigh-

bor? And Jesus answering said, A cer-

tain man went down from Jerusalem to

Jericho, and fell among thieves, which

stripped him of his raiment, and

wounded him, and departed, leaving

him half dead. And by chance there

came down a certain priest that way;

and when he saw him, he passed by on

the otr er side. And likewise a Levite,

when he was at the place, came and

looked on him, and passed by on the

other side. But a certain Samaritan, as

he journeyed, came where he was; and

when he saw him, he had compassion

on him, and went to him, and bound up

his wounds, pouring in oil and wine,

and set him on his own beast, and

brought him to an inn, and took care

of him. And on the morrow when he de-

parted, he took out two pence, and

gave them to the host, and said unto

him, Take care of him: and whatsoever

thou spendest more, when I come again,

I will repay thee. Which now of these

three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto

him that fell among the thieves? And

he said, He that showed mercy on him.

Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do

thou likewise."

Here the conditions of inheriting eter-

nal life are plainly stated by our Saviour

in the most simple manner. The man

wounded and robbed represents those

who are subjects of our interest, sym-

pathy, and charity. If we neglect the

cases of the needy and the unfortunate

that are brought under our notice, no

matter who they may be, we have no

assurance of eternal life; for we do not

answer the claims that God has upon

us. We are not compassionate and piti-

ful to humanity, because they may not

be kith or kin to us. All such are found

transgressors of the second great com-

mandment, upon which the last six

commandments depend. Whosoever of-

fendeth in one point, he is guilty of all.

Those who do not open their hearts to

the wants and sufferings of humanity,

will not open their hearts to the claims

of God stated in the first four precepts

of the decalogue. Idols claim the heart

and affections, and God is not honored

and does not reign supreme.

Some are quite exact in some things,

yet neglect the weightier matters—judg-

ment, mercy, and the love of God. Al-

though the customs of the world are no

criterion for us, yet the pitying sympathy

and the benevolence of the world for

the unfortunate, in many cases, shame

the professed followers of Jesus Christ.

Many manifest indifference to the cases

of those whom God has thrown in their

midst for the purpose of testing and

proving them, and developing what is

in their hearts. God reads. He marks

every act of selfishness, every act of

indifference to the afflicted, the widows,

and the fatherless; and he writes against

their names,

Guilty, wanting, law-break-

ers.

We shall be rewarded as our works

have been. Any neglect of duty to the

needy and to the afflicted is a neglect

of duty to Christ in the person of his

saints.

When the cases of all come in re-

view before God, the question, What

did they profess? is never asked, but,

What have they done? Have they been

doers of the word? Have they lived for

themselves? or have they been exer-

cised in works of benevolence, in deeds

of kindness, in love, preferring others

before themselves, and denying them-

selves that they might bless others? If

the record shows that this has been

their life, that their characters have been

marked with tenderness, self-denial, and

benevolence, they will receive the

blessed assurance and benediction from

Christ, "Well done," "Come, ye blessed

of my Father, inherit the kingdom pre-

pared for you from the foundation of the

world." Christ has been grieved and

wounded by our marked selfish love, and

indifference to the woes and needs of

others.

Many times our efforts may be dis-

regarded and apparently lost upon oth-

ers. But this should be no excuse for

us to become weary in well-doing. How

often has Jesus come to find fruit upon

the plants of his care, and found noth-

ing but leaves! We may be disappointed

as to the result of our best efforts; but

this should not lead us to be indifferent

to others' woes, and to do nothing.

"Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the

Lord, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants

thereof; because they came not to the

help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord

against the mighty." How often is Christ

disappointed in those who profess to be

his children! He has given them unmis-

takable evidences of his love. He be-

came poor, that through his poverty we

might be made rich. He died for us, that

we might not perish, but have eternal

life. What if Christ had refused to bear

our iniquity because he was rejected by

many, and so few appreciated his love

and the infinite blessings he came to

bring to them? We need to encourage

patient, painstaking efforts. Courage is

now wanted, not lazy despondency and

fretful murmuring. We are in this world

to do work for the Master, and not to

study our inclination and pleasure, and

to serve and glorify ourselves. Why,

then, should we be inactive and discour-

aged because we do not see the imme-

diate results we desire?

Our work is to toil in the vineyard of

the Lord, not merely for ourselves, but

for the good of others. Our influence is

a blessing or a curse to others. We are

here to form perfect characters for

heaven. We have something to do be-

sides repining and murmuring at God's

providence, and writing bitter things

against ourselves. Our adversary will

not allow us to rest. If we are indeed

God's children, we shall be harassed

and sorely beset; and we need not ex-

pect that Satan or those under his influ-

ence will treat us well. But there are

angels who excel in strength, who will

be with us in all our conflicts, if we will

only be faithful. Christ conquered Satan

in our behalf in the wilderness of temp-

tation. He is mightier than Satan, and

he will shortly bruise him under our

feet.

Our spiritual strength and blessing

will be proportionate to the labor of love

and good works which we perform. The

injunction of the apostle is, "Bear ye

one another's burdens, and so fulfill the

law of Christ." Keeping the command-

ments of God requires of us good works,

self-denial, self-sacrifice, and devotion

for the good of others, not that our

good works alone can save us, but that

we surely cannot be saved without good

works. After we have done all that we

are capable of doing, we are then to

say, We have done no more than our

duty, and at best are unprofitable ser-

vants, unworthy of the smallest favor

from God. Christ must be our righteous-

ness, and the crown of our rejoicing.

All must be lost who will not arouse

themselves and work with Christ. Many

encase themselves in cold, unfeeling,

unsympathizing armor. There is but lit-

tle life and warmth in their associations

with others. They live for themselves, not

for Jesus Christ. They are careless and

indifferent to the needs and conditions

of others less fortunate than themselves.

All around us there are those who have

soul hunger, and who long for love ex-

pressed in words and deeds. Friendly

sympathy and real feelings of tender

interest for others would bring to our

souls blessings that we have never yet

experienced, and would bring us into

close relation to our Redeemer, whose

advent to the world was for the purpose

of doing good, and whose life we are

to copy. What are we doing for Christ?

"Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for

many, I say unto you, will seek to enter

in, and shall not be able."—Review

and

Herald,

July 13, 1886.

GOD FIRST

LESSON 8

November 18-24

"The word of God defines covetous-

ness as idolatry. It is impossible for men and

women to keep the law of God and love

money. The heart's affections should be

placed upon heavenly things. Our treasure

should be laid up in heaven, for where our

treasure is, there will our heart be also."—

Testimonies,

vol. 3, p. 130.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of

God, and his righteousness." Matt.

6:33, first part.

The first secret of victorious Chris-

tian living is putting God first in the life.

It is on this point that true religion be-

gins. It is on this point of placing Him

first that God has been testing man from

the very beginning.

Putting God first in our lives should

be easy, yet many people find it diffi-

cult in everyday practice. Taking time

for the study of the Bible and the Sab-

bath School lessons, time for personal

prayers and family worship, are among

the most difficult areas for putting God

first in a practical manner.

A practical result of living according

to the God-first principle is that it will

simplify our personal lives and the whole

program of the church. Time and abil-

ities will be voluntarily budgeted for mis-

sionary outreach, thus eliminating the

need for appeals to us to take time to

witness. We will follow God's plan for

healthful living. We will set aside God's

tithe and offerings, thus eliminating the

need for appeals to get us to give. What

a change this could make in the spiritual

atmosphere of our worship. A large in-

crease in time and money could be

available for God's work in the church

and the community if we were all fol-

lowing the God-first principle of living.

God wants us to believe in Him, trust

Him, and depend on Him. He wants to

demonstrate, to us and to the world,

what happens when He is first in the

lives of His people. The natural man

puts self first. He seeks survival and

happiness. But seeking God's kingdom

and His righteousness is the only way

to lasting happiness now or to survival

hereafter.

The practical lesson of placing God

first can change your life if you prac-

tice it. Apply this basic principle to each

of the four parts of your life.

God First

LESSON 8



❑

Sunday

November 18



Part 1



In what position are we commanded to place God?

GOD IS FIRST



Ex. 20:3



"Thou shalt have no other gods before me."

"God appeals to us to put Him before all else, to put Him

first in our affections and in our lives, in harmony with our

Lord's injunction in the sermon on the mount (Matt. 6:33).

Mere belief alone will not do, nor even the acknowledgment

that He is the one and only God. We owe wholehearted alle-

giance and devotion to Him as a personal Being whom it is

our privilege to know, to love, and trust, and with whom we

may have blessed fellowship. Dependence upon something

else than God, whether it be wealth, knowledge, position, or

friends, places us in peril."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Ex.

20:3.

How does the second commandment enlarge upon the

first? Ex. 20:4, 5.

"Are we worshipers of Jehovah, or of Baal? of the living

God, or of idols? No outward shrines may be visible; there

may be no image for the eye to rest upon; yet we may be

practicing idolatry. It is as easy to make an idol of cherished

ideas or objects as to fashion gods of wood or stone. Thou-

sands have a false conception of God and His attributes. They

are as verily serving a false god as were the servants of Baal."

—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol. 1,

p. 1105.

What two truths about God the Son mentioned in Heb.

1:10-12 establish His importance?

The Godhead is the original and permanent Intelligence

which is both the Source and Sustainer of the universe. Man

should regard Him as first because He is first in every way.

God must become the supreme meaning in the life of each one

seeking salvation. No thing and no one is to come before Him,

because that which replaces God is in a false position. God

was first from the very beginning. He is first today. He will

ever be first. When a person accepts this reality experientially

he has found the key point in overcoming idolatry. When a

person really knows God, "whom to know is life eternal," he

will want it no other way. Duty becomes a delight.



THINK IT THROUGH



What are the gods of our world today?



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 6, pp. 103, 104.

God First

LESSON 8



❑

Monday

November 19

Part 2

WARNINGS AGAINST

SELF FIRST

ler. 45:5

THINK IT THROUGH

What divine message to Baruch is still appropriate today?

"And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them

not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the

Lord: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places

whither thou goest."

"The Lord has no place in His work for those who have a

greater desire to win the crown than to bear the cross. He

wants- men who are more intent upon doing their duty than

upon receiving their reward—men who are more solicitous for

principle than for promotion.

"Those who are humble, and who do their work as unto

God, may not make so great a show as do those who are full

of bustle and self-importance; but their work counts for more.

Often those who make a great parade call attention to self,

interposing between the people and God, and their work proves

a failure."—The

Ministry of Healing,

pages 476, 477.

"Lucifer thought that he was himself a favorite in heaven

among the angels. He had been highly exalted, but this did

not call forth from him gratitude and praise to his Creator. He

aspired to the height of God Himself. He gloried in his lofti-

ness. He knew that he was honored by the angels. He had a

special mission to execute. He had been near the great Crea-

tor, and the ceaseless beams of glorious light enshrouding the

eternal God had shone especially upon him. He thought how

angels had obeyed his command with pleasurable alacrity.

Were not his garments light and beautiful? Why should Christ

thus be honored before himself."—The

Story of Redemption,

page 14.

What warning does Paul give about the self? Rom. 12:3.

What unwise and deceptive measure of the self does Paul

condemn? 2 Cor. 10:12.

How far from God have I permitted Satan to lead me?

How do I view myself? Am I comparing myself with Jesus?

What will be the result of such a comparison?

"Human beings belong to one great family—the family of

God. The Creator designed that they should respect and love

one another, ever manifesting a pure, unselfish interest in one

another's welfare. But Satan's aim has been to lead men to

self first; and yielding themselves to his control, they have

developed a selfishness that has filled the world with misery

and strife, setting human beings at variance with one another."

—Counsels on Stewardship,

page 24.

FURTHER STUDY



Prophets and Kings,

pages 344-346.

God First

LESSON 8



❑

Tuesday

November 20

Part 3

THE CURSE OF

SELF FIRST

Mal. 3:9

When Judah was accused of robbing God, what did God

say was the result?

"Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even

this whole nation."

When one man robs another, the robber has considered

himself before his victim, and enriches himself at the victim's

expense.

A curse is a strong denunciation and is the opposite of a

blessing. While both curse and blessing are verbal, there are

literal results that follow when God is the speaker. The bless-

ings promised in verses 10-12 are pronounced on the crops,

and the curse, unidentified, is presumably crop failure.

What curses came upon Judah after the exile when self-

interest dictated their priorities? Hag. 1:4-11.

"Because they had let the temple lie waste, the Lord sent

upon their substance a wasting drought. God had bestowed

upon them the fruits of field and garden, the corn and the wine

and the oil, as a token of His favor; but because they had used

these bountiful gifts so selfishly, the blessings were re-

moved....

"The lack of temporal prosperity was the result of a neglect

to put God's interests first, the prophets declared. Had the

Israelites honored God, had they shown Him due respect and

courtesy, by making the building of His house their first work,

they would have invited His presence and blessing."—Prophets

and Kings,

pages 573, 574.

"God's requirements come first. We are not doing His will

if we consecrate to Him what is left of our income after all our

imaginary wants have been supplied. Before any part of our

earnings is consumed, we should take out and present to Him

that portion which He claims. . . . But when a man robs God

by withholding that which He requires, His curse rests upon

the

whole."—Testimonies,

Vol. 4, p. 477.



THINK IT THROUGH



What in my life am I putting before God?

"The increase of their property strengthens the eager desire

for more, until some consider that their giving to the Lord a

tenth is a severe and unjust tax. . . . God has tested some of

these by giving them riches; but with the riches came the

fiercer temptation, and their benevolence was far less than in

the days of their poverty. A grasping desire for greater riches

absorbed their minds and hearts, and they committed idolatry."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 403.



FURTHER STUDY



Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 24-26.

God First

LESSON 8



❑

Wednesday

November 21

Part 4

THE BLESSINGS

OF PUTTING

GOD FIRST

Prov. 3:9,10

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

Upon what principle are God's blessings promised?

"Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first

fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with

plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine."

"Every believer should be wholehearted in his attachment

to the church. Its prosperity should be his first interest. . . . It

is in the power of all to do something for the cause of God."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 4, p. 18.

What blessings were promised to Judah if they would put

God first in specific ways? Mal. 3:10-12; Isa. 58:13, 14.

God makes an unusual promise to those who put Him first.

"Those who are ready and willing to invest in the cause of

God, will be blessed in their efforts to acquire money. . . .

"We must ever bear in mind that we are in copartnership

with God. His work and His cause demand the first considera-

tion."—Our

High Calling,

page 194.

God's share of our life should be reserved first. (1) Adhere

to the health message for the care of your body. (2) Return

the tithe and give liberal offerings to God. (3) Dedicate and

use a portion of your abilities in daily working for God. Take

time to be a real Christian every day. (4) Remember the Sab-

bath day and keep it holy. Make the Sabbath "a delight, the

holy of the Lord, honourable."

This must not be an occasional consecration, but a way of

life, done systematically, disinterestedly because you love God.

The question is not if God can supply whatever is needed

to advance His work, but can man be a channel which will not

be blocked by selfishness. "And if men will become channels

through which heaven's blessing can flow to others, the Lord

will keep the channel supplied."—Counsels

on Stewardship,

page 36.

What blessings have I received as a result of making God

first

in my life?

"There are but few who consider the binding claims that

God has upon them to make it their first business to meet the

necessities of His cause and let their own desires be served

last. There are but few who invest in God's cause in proportion

to their means. Many have fastened their money in property

which they must sell before they can invest it in the cause of

God. . . . They have as effectually buried their money in the

earth as had the man in the parable. They rob God of the

tenth, ... and in robbing Him they rob themselves of the heav-

enly treasure."—Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 398.

The Desire of Ages,

pages 369-371.

God First

LESSON 8



❑

Thursday

November 22



Part 5



What seemingly selfish request did Elijah make of the

A LESSON OF TRUST

widow of Zarephath?



1 Kings 17:13



"And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou

host said: but make me thereof a little cake first."

Why should God, through Elijah, ask this poor woman to

share with Elijah the very last food she had for her son and

herself? The request was even more unusual coming from a

stranger and a foreigner.

What promise accompanied this request? Verse 14.

"No greater test of faith than this could have been required.

The widow had hitherto treated all strangers with kindness and

liberality. Now, regardless of the suffering that might result to

herself and child, and trusting in the God of Israel to supply

her every need, she met this supreme test of hospitality by

doing 'according to the saying of Elijah.'

"Wonderful was the hospitality shown to God's prophet by

this Phoenician woman, and wonderfully were her faith and

generosity rewarded. 'She, and he, and her house, did eat

many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the

cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which He

spake by Elijah.'

"—Prophets and Kings,

pages 130, 131.

"Give what you can now, and as you cooperate with Christ,

your hand will open to impart still more. And God will refill

your hand."—Our

High Calling,

page 199.

God repeats, in principle, the same promises today as He

did through Elijah to the widow. Each individual is given oppor-

tunity to demonstrate trust in God by putting Him first.

God expects to be first in every respect. He desires to dem-

onstrate that

He provides for those who put their trust and

confidence in Him. It may take some nearly bare cupboards,

and a request to give what is left to a stranger, before some

of us will know whether or not we have put God first in our

lives and believe His promises.



THINK IT THROUGH



To those who know me best, is my life a demonstration of

trust in God?

"We try too hard to take care of self ourselves. We are

uneasy and greatly lack a firm trust in God. Many worry and

work, contrive and plan, fearing they may suffer need. They

cannot afford time to pray or to attend religious meetings and,

in their care for themselves, leave no chance for God to care

for them. And the Lord does not do much for them, for they

give Him no opportunity. They do too much for themselves,

and believe and trust in God too

little."—Testimonies,

Vol. 2,

p. 196.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 2, pp. 197-199.

God First

LESSON 8



❑

Friday

November 23

Part 6

GOD CARES FOR

HIS OWN

Haut. 16:16, 17

How often were the men of ancient Israel to go to the

temple?

"Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before

the Lord thy God in the place which he shall choose; . . .

every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing

of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee."

Three times each year all able-bodied men went to Shiloh,

and later to Jerusalem. Behind them they left their orchards,

crops, herds, and homes. It would seem that they were inviting

plunder from the people who previously occupied the land

Israel now held. There were no visible signs of protection

along their nonpermanent borders.

What promise did God make and fulfill during the absence

of these men from their homes? Ex. 34:23, 24.

In order to appreciate what was happening, one must note

that God promised that these people were (1) to come into pos-

session of a land they could not conquer alone, (2) to houses

they had not built, and (3) to fields they had not cleared. God

said He would cast out the nations before them, fight their

battles, and provide for all their needs if He was given first

place in their lives. No man would even desire their land.

They gave tithes, offerings, and time—more than thirty days

yearly, besides the regular Sabbath days.

Why did God ask this? So that in their individual lives they

would be related to God's interests. His interests were becom-

ing theirs. Also they would be remembering their origin and

the origin of all they possessed.

"We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall

forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our

past history."—Lite

Sketches,

page 196.



THINK IT THROUGH



How can I more consistently put God first in my whole life?

"The lesson is for God's children in every age. When the

Lord gives a work to be done, let not men stop to inquire into

the reasonableness of the command or the probable result of

their efforts to

obey."—Prophets and Kings,

page 243.

"Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for

us of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one prin-

ciple of making the service of God supreme, will find perplexi-

ties vanish and a plain path before their feet."—The

Ministry

of Healing,

page 481.



FURTHER STUDY



Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 186-188.

FAITHFUL STEWARDSHIP

LESSON 9

November 25-December 1

"Moreover it is required in stewards,

that a man be found faithful." 1 Cor.

4:2.

It has been noted previously that a

steward is a manager. One who is en-

trusted with

management

makes a "ju-

dicious use of means to accomplish an

end."—Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dic-

tionary.

The Christian steward, entrusted

with the Lord's goods, is to use those

goods judiciously to accomplish the

Lord's purposes. A judicious use of the

Lord's goods requires planning, as op-

posed to a haphazard use of his talent.

The sincere Christian "has not lost

by any means, the power of accumula-

tion; but he employs his active energies

in seeking for spiritual attainments; then

all his entrusted talents will be appre-

ciated as God's gifts to be employed to

His glory. By him property will be prized,

not hoarded, valued only inasmuch as it

can be used to advance the truth, to

work as Christ worked when He was

upon the earth, to bless humanity. For

this purpose he will use his powers,

not to please or glorify self, but to

strengthen every entrusted gift that he

may do the highest service to God. Of

him it can be said, 'Not slothful in busi-

ness; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.' "

—Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 158,

159.

The article by Ellen G. White

which follows this lesson was

printed in the

Review and Her-

ald,

September 18, 1893. "Now

Is the Time to Dedicate All to

God" is to be read as supple-

mentary material with this

week's lesson.

Faithful Stewardship

LESSON 9



111

Sunday

November 25



Part 1



What instructions concerning offerings did the apostle Paul

GRACE OF GIVING

give to the Corinthians?



2 Cor. 8:1



"Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and

utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your

love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also."

Paul was here commending the Corinthians in their attain-

ment of certain virtues and admonishing them not to come

short in the virtue of giving. His words were not written as an

order (verse 8) but to encourage them in giving as proof of

their love.

"This matter of giving is not left to impulse. God has given

us definite instruction in regard to it. He has specified tithes

and offerings as the measure of our obligation. And He desires

us to give regularly and systematically."—Counsels

on Stew-

ardship,

pages 80, 81.

Some people wait until an appeal for money is made for

some particular purpose before they give. The practice of

giving only in response to an appeal most often results in

church poverty.

"The Lord requires gifts to be made at stated times, being

so arranged that giving will become habit and benevolence be

felt to be a Christian duty. The heart, opened by one gift, is

not to have time to become selfishly cold and to close before

the next is bestowed. The stream is to be continually flowing,

thus keeping open the channel by acts of benevolence."—

Testimonies,

Vol. 3, pp. 393, 394.

"The cause of benevolence would no longer be dependent

on the uncertain gifts of impulse, and vary according to the

changing feelings of

men."—Counsels on Stewardship,

pages

199, 200.



THINK IT THROUGH



As I examine my stewardship practices, what do I find

determines the occasion and amount of my gifts?

"I was shown the awful fact that Satan and his angels

have had more to do with the management of the property of

God's professed people than the Lord has. Stewards of the

last days are unwise. They suffer Satan to control their business

matters, and get into his ranks what belongs to, and should

be in, the cause of God. God takes notice of you, unfaithful

stewards; He will call you to account.... But I saw that Satan

and his angels exult over their success in this matter. And

those who should be wise heirs of salvation almost willingly

let their Lord's money slip out of their hands into the enemy's

ranks. In this way they strengthen Satan's kingdom, and seem

to feel very easy about

it."—Testimonies,

Vol. 1, pp. 199, 200.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 1, pp. 197-199.

Faithful Stewardship

LESSON 9



❑

Monday

November 26



Part 2



What positive guide did Paul give concerning the offering

COLLECTIONS

of the Corinthians? 2 Cor. 8:11, 12.

OR OFFERINGS?

Paul was here admonishing the Corinthians to follow through

with a previous willingness (verse 10) to give an offering for

the needs of their fellow believers.

God does not expect us to give more than we are able to

give. If we give willingly as we are able, God accepts it as the

fulfillment of our stewardship. He does not ask us to give what

we do not have.

The Sabbath services are not the ideal time to determine

how much we are able to give. A look at two words—collec-

tion and offering—may help point out two different attitudes in

giving. We say that we "take up" a collection. The initiative

is with the one in charge of the meeting and those helping him,

and people respond to the leader's appeal by placing money

in a plate or basket. On the other hand we say that we "give"

an offering. The initiative in this instance is with the giver. He

has brought an offering to the meeting and is waiting for the

opportunity to give it. This does not mean that "collections"

are wrong, but it points out that planned offerings are the

better way.

What equality of responsibility did Paul teach to the

Corinthian church? 2 Cor. 8:13, 14.

"He had established in the Corinthian church, as also in

Galatia, a system of weekly offerings, and had enjoined upon

Titus, in his visit to Corinth, to give special attention to for-

warding this benevolent enterprise."—Sketches

From the Life

of Paul,

page 174.



THINK IT THROUGH



Is my gift presented as an offering or as a collection?

"As the persevering, systematic workers see that the ten-

dency of their benevolent efforts is to nourish love to God and

their fellow men, and that their personal efforts are extending

their sphere of usefulness, they will realize that it is a great

blessing to be co-workers with Christ. The Christian church,

as a general thing, are disowning the claims of God upon them

to give alms of the things which they possess to support the

warfare against the moral darkness which is flooding the

world."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 389.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 3, pp. 391, 392.

Faithful Stewardship

LESSON 9



❑

Tuesday

November 27



Part



What is the apostle Paul's rule for giving?



THE APOSTOLIC



"Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay

RULE

by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be

Cor. 16:2

no gatherings when I come."

This verse contains what Ellen G. White refers to as the

rule of the apostle. It gives information about why, how, how

much, and when to give.

"The apostle suggests the first day of the week as a proper

time to review the course of Providence and the prosperity

experienced, and in the fear of God, with true gratitude of

heart for the blessings He has bestowed, to decide how much,

according to His own devised plan, shall be rendered back to

Him."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 413.

"The directions given by the Holy Spirit through the apostle

Paul in regard to gifts, present a principle that applies also to

tithing: 'Upon the first day of the week let every one of you

lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.' Parents and

children are here included. Not only the rich, but the poor, are

addressed. 'Every man according as he purposeth in his heart

[through the candid consideration of God's prescribed plan],

so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth

a cheerful giver.' The gifts are to be made in consideration of

the great goodness of God to

us."—Counsels on Stewardship,

page 80.

What is the purpose of this apostolic rule? 1 Cor. 16:2.

The people were to make their decisions at home. Here,

with your own conscience, you may reflect upon God's bless-

ings and respond as God has made it possible for you to

respond. The offering should be brought to the place of worship

at the proper time. The offering is "offered" to God as an act

of worship. It is an intergral part of worship.

. Am I planning my offerings or putting money into a col-

lection?

"And what more appropriate time could be chosen for set-

ting aside the tithe and presenting our offerings to God? On

the Sabbath we have thought upon His goodness. We have

beheld His work in creation as an evidence of His power in

redemption. Our hearts are filled with thankfulness for His great

love. And now, before the toil of a week begins, we return to

Him His own, and with it an offering to testify our gratitude.

Thus our practice will be a weekly sermon, declaring that God

is the possessor of all our property, and that He has made us

stewards to use it to His glory."—Counsels

on Stewardship,

page 80.

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FURTHER STUDY

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Testimonies,

Vol. 3, pp. 548, 549.

THINK IT THROUGH

Faithful Stewardship

LESSON 9

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❑

Wednesday

November 28

Part 4

PLANNED GIVING

2 Cor. 9:5, RSV

What principle for giving did Paul advocate?

"So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren to go on

to you before me, and arrange in advance

for

this gift you

have promised, so that it may be ready not as an exaction

but as a willing gift."

Paul arranged, in the experience recorded in 2 Cor. 9, that

the amount of the Corinthian believers' gifts would be deter-

mined prior to the occasion upon which they were to be offered.

And also today there should be a plan for giving worked out

by each believer to fit his particular circumstances. Some

common practices that reflect careless stewardship are noted

below:

Waiting until Sabbath to set aside the tithe.

Making the decision on the amount of an offering at

church instead of at home.

Borrowing from money set aside for tithe or offering.

Making offerings from money needed for family neces-

sities.

Giving for expenses instead of

God.

Planned giving is God's plan. Happiness in giving is the

result. Here is God's plan for happy giving.

Determine and set aside the tithe (10 percent) first, at

home.

Determine how much you are going to give to God in

offerings. Set this aside at the time you separate the tithe.

Distribute your offerings at home by recording the tithe

and offerings on the envelope provided for this purpose. Re-

member world missions as well as local budget.

Use

your

money as you see best.

Carry God's tithe and offerings to church.

View your gift as an offering to God, not as a collection

for expenses.

Increase the percentage of your offerings as God in-

creases your income and/or ability to give.

What principle applicable to the whole life should be the

basis for determining the amount of offerings? Luke 12:48, ,

last part.

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THINK IT THROUGH

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Do I plan my giving, or am I an impulse giver?

"To give or to labor when our sympathies are moved, and

to withhold our gifts or service when the emotions are not

stirred, is an unwise and dangerous course."—Counsels

Stewardship,

page 25.

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FURTHER STUDY

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Testimonies,

Vol.

p. 477.

Faithful Stewardship

LESSON 9

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❑

Thursday

November

Part 5

ACCUMULATED

POSSESSIONS

2 Kings 20:1

THINK IT THROUGH

What command did God give Hezekiah near the close of

his life?

"In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the

prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto

him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou

shalt die, and not live."

King Hezekiah was told to set his "house in order." The

king was to make preparation for turning over the realm to

another and care for all the details implied in such plans.

We are not kings, nor has a special revelation been given

to us pointing out the time of our death, but the counsel is

appropriate to all of us. Life is uncertain. We have no assur-

ance of another day of life. "Set thine house in order!" The

responsibility to arrange our affairs for the moment of death

is a part of faithful stewardship.

In the parable of Jesus about a certain rich man, what

searching question did God ask? Luke 12:20.

One must remember that man does not own anything in

relation to God. Prior to our death, faithfulness to our trust

requires that we plan our final gifts and make provision for

the proper distribution and use of the possessions God has

enabled us to accumulate during our lifetime.

"Whose shall these things be?" is a question that is appli-

cable to each of us. This is an integral part of faithful steward-

ship, yet it is often at this critical stage in life that a person

forgets God.

"Many are not exercised upon the subject of making their

wills while they are in apparent health. But this precaution

should be taken by our brethren. . . . They should arrange

their property in such a manner that they may leave it at any

time."—Counsels

on Stewardship,

page 328.

What provision have I made for the stewardship of my

goods after my death?

"Death will not come one day sooner, brethren, because

you have made your will. In disposing of your property by will

to your relatives, be sure that you do not forget God's cause.

You are His agents, holding His property; and His claims

should have your first consideration. Your wife and children,

of course, should not be left destitute; provision should be

made for them if they are needy."—Counsels

on Stewardship,

page 328.

FURTHER STUDY

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Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 323-329.

Faithful Stewardship

LESSON 9

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❑

Friday

November 30

Part 6

BLESSINGS OF

GIVING

2 Cor. 9:6

What is the meaning of Paul's sowing and reaping illustra-

tion?

"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also

sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also

bountifully."

"The sower multiplies his seed by casting it away. So it is

with those who are faithful in distributing God's gifts. By im-

parting they increase their blessings. God has promised them

a sufficiency that they may continue to give. . . .

"And more than this is wrapped up in the sowing and the

reaping. As we distribute God's temporal blessings, the evi-

dence of our love and sympathy awakens in the receiver grati-

tude and thanksgiving to God. The soil of the heart is prepared

to receive the seeds of spiritual truth. And He who ministers

seed to the sower will cause the seed to germinate and bear

fruit unto eternal

life."—Christ's Object Lessons,

page 86.

What blessings is God able to provide to the cheerful

giver? 2 Cor. 9:8.

"God calls for what you owe Him in tithes and offerings. He

calls for consecration in every line of His work. Act faithfully

your part at your appointed post of duty. Work earnestly, re-

membering that Christ is by your side, planning, devising, and

constructing for

you."—Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 48, 49.

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THINK IT THROUGH

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What shows that I realize that my church is a home base

and a mission field?

"To show a liberal, self-denying spirit for the success of

foreign missions is a sure way to advance home missionary

work; for the prosperity of the home work depends largely,

under God, upon the reflex influence of the evangelical work

done in countries afar off....

"That which is given to start the work in one field will result

in strengthening the work in other places. As the laborers are

freed from financial embarrassment, their efforts can be ex-

tended; and as people are brought into the truth and churches

are established, there will be increasing financial strength. As

these churches grow stronger, they will be able not only to

carry on the work in their own borders, but to send help to

other fields."—Gospel

Workers,

pages 465, 466.

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FURTHER STUDY

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Counsels on Stewardship,

page 47.

NOW IS THE TIME TO DEDICATE ALL TO GOD

Ellen G. White

Our time and our talents belong to

the Lord. "Ye were not redeemed with

corruptible things, as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation received by

tradition from your fathers, but with the

precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb

without blemish and without spot." Then

how can any one feel that he can be in-

dependent of God, and not subject to

the Spirit of God? Those who imagine

that they are independent of God's prov-

idences and plans, are in their sup-

posed independence, in the veriest slav-

ery to a power that is in rebellion

against God.

"Associate yourselves, 0 ye people,

and ye shall be broken in pieces; and

give ear, all ye of far countries: gird

yourselves, and ye shall be broken in

pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be

broken in pieces. Take counsel together,

and it shall come to naught; speak the

word, and it shall not stand: for God is

with us. For the Lord spake thus to me

with a strong hand, and instructed me

that I should not walk in the way of this

people, saying, Say ye not, a confed-

eracy, to all them to whom this people

shall say, A confederacy; neither fear

ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify

the Lord of hosts himself; and let him

be your fear, and let him be your dread.

And he shall be for a sanctuary."

"Who is among you that feareth the

Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his ser-

vant, that walketh in darkness, and hath

no light? let him trust in the name of

the Lord, and stay upon his God. Be-

hold, all ye that kindle a fire, that com-

pass yourselves about with sparks: walk

in the light of your fire, and in the sparks

that ye have kindled. This shall ye have

of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sor-

row."

We are not safe in following the imagi-

nation of our own hearts. We cannot

be independent of God. We are safe

only as we realize our entire depend-

ence upon him as our Creator and Re-

deemer.

Satan has many devices whereby he

holds us back from rendering prompt

and unquestioning obedience to God.

We have often had strong promptings

and conviction of duty, but have shrunk

back from fulfilling them. Yet Jesus says,

"If any man will come after me, let him

deny himself, and take up his cross, and

follow me. For whosoever will save his

life, shall lose it: and whosoever will

lose his life for my sake shall find it."

How many at times have been deeply

stirred, and yet because duty demanded

a sacrifice, they have tampered with

their conscience, seated themselves in

the enemy's debating chair, and have

not made the decision that God sought

to have them make. They have not

broken away from the associates whose

seductive influence for evil, led them

to follow their own carnal reasoning,

and because there was no evidence of

any immediate danger, they have rested

down in their false security. They have

debated in their minds, saying, Shall I

obey the voice of God that bids me

shake off the lethargy of the world, and

escape from the world as did Lot from

Sodom, or shall I listen to the voice of

the world that cries peace and safety

to my soul? Shall I wait for a more con-

venient season? All the sophistry of

Satan is bound up in that one word,

"wait." 0 that those who are now

moved by the Spirit of God, would make

a decided stand for God and for the

truth!

We shall never be able to discern

spiritual and heavenly things while we

remain indifferent to the word of God.

The voice of Jesus is calling, "Come

unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy

laden, and I will give you rest. Take my

yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I

am meek and lowly in heart: and ye

shall find rest unto your souls. For my

yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Those who remain away from Jesus

have placed their necks under a yoke

that is not easy. They have clasped their

arms about burdens that are not light.

0, why not exchange the heavy yoke

you now wear for the yoke of Christ?

The voice of mercy is now sounding in

warnings and entreaties, but that voice

will not always be heard, if you con-

tinue to resist, and still choose your

own way.

There is true missionary work to be

done for those who move in higher cir-

cles, and the followers of Christ are to

be true representatives of Christ, who

though he was rich, for our sake be-

came poor, that we through his poverty

might be rich. The rich should conse-

crate their all to God, and he who is

sanctified through the truth in body,

soul, and spirit, will also devote his

property to God, and will become an

agent whereby other souls will be

reached. In his experience and example

it will be made manifest that the grace

of Christ has power to overcome cove-

tousness and avarice, and the rich man

who renders unto God his intrusted

goods, will be accounted a faithful

steward, and can present to others the

fact that every dollar of their accumu-

lated property is stamped with the

image and superscription of God. He

can present to those who are rich the

truth as it is in Jesus, showing that it

was God who intrusted him with ability

to get wealth, and prospered his enter-

prises with his blessing that he might

acquire wealth, and gladly acknowledg-

ing the fact that his talents are not his,

but God's who gave. The wealthy man

who is truly converted, can bring to bear

upon his wealthy brethren the lessons

of Christ, and show to them that their

wealth is only safe as it is laid up in

the bank of heaven.

There is great danger that the riches

of the wealthy shall prove not a bless-

ing, but a curse to them. Rich men are

in danger of trusting in their riches, of

placing God's intrusted treasure where

Christ should be in the heart, and in-

terposing their wealth between the soul

and God. Wealth thus becomes an idol,

and separates the affection from its

Giver. But let those who are fitted to

work for the rich, and for those in high

position, consecrate their all to God,

and in the name of Jesus go forth to

do this work. Paul had converts even in

Caesar's household. Truth will have its

adherents even in kings' courts. Paul

wrote, "All the saints salute you, chiefly

they that are of Caesar's household."

The throne of the Caesars was then oc-

cupied by that monster of cruelty, Nero.

If there ever was an atmosphere charged

with the malarious influence of Satan,

it was to be found in his household. The

powers from beneath stirred up most

fierce and determined hostility against

Christians in that place, and Paul him-

self suffered death at the emperor's

command. In such a household as this,

it seemed impossible that truth should

find favor, and yet in this place there

were those who were worthy to be

called saints, and who sent greetings

to the saints of other cities. Nothing is

impossible with God.

We need more faith to work for those

who are rich and in high position. For

though Christ has said, "How hardly

shall they that have riches enter into

the kingdom of God," every rich man

who does yield himself to the convert-

ing power of God, and is an overcomer

will find an abundant entrance into the

kingdom of God. The rich who are truly

converted to God, will understand that

they are stewards of the Lord's prop-

erty; and through the grace given unto

them, they will discern that they have

been intrusted with property, only that

they may use it to advance the cause

and kingdom of Christ in the world.

There are many among the rich, who,

were the truth presented to them as it

is in Jesus, would be charmed with, and

transformed through, the grace of Christ,

and would see that money is of value

only as it is devoted to doing good in

the name and Spirit of Jesus. The

wealthy man or woman converted to

God, will begin to comprehend what

good may be done with their intrusted

capital. They will see that institutions

are to be established for the education

of the youth, and that they are to be

sustained by gifts and offerings. They

will know that many youth must be

trained for the missionary field, and the

wealthy will become agents in the hands

of God to set in operation the instru-

mentalities whereby men and women

may become enlightened, and turned

from degradation and error unto the

living God.

Through the grace of Christ, those

who have riches and are connected

with him, will sow abundantly, seeking

out the youth, and running a risk in

educating them, hoping that they will

devote their lives to missionary work.

God has intrusted the rich with gifts,

that, if wisely used, will produce a

hundredfold in this world, and in the

world to come life everlasting. To have

the knowledge that our talents are be-

ing employed for the good of others,

affords satisfaction in this life that brings

a great reward. We know that if the

Lord's intrusted capital is selfishly spent

or hoarded, God will call us to an ac-

count. Because the rich are judgment-

bound, we should put forth more de-

cided efforts to win them to the service

of Him who has intrusted them with

large talents. God designed that through

these very agents, many souls should

be converted, and sent forth on a mis-

sion of blessing to the world. His cause

would be greatly advanced if those to

whom he has given talents of means,

would devote their wealth to the up-

building of his kingdom.—Review

and

Herald,

September 19, 1893.

PROSPERITY

LESSON 10

December

2-8

"Remove far from me falsehood and

lying;

give me neither poverty nor riches;

feed me with the food that is need-

ful for me,

lest I be full, and deny thee,

and say, 'Who is the Lord?'

or lest I be poor, and steal,

and profane the name of my God."

Pray. 30:8, 9, RSV.

Most people will agree that joy and

a certain contentment attend prosperity.

However, it is difficult for most, and al-

most impossible for some, to recognize

there is a great danger in prosperity of

any kind, whether it be good health,

many abilities, material prosperity, or

long life.

The imagination is staggered at the

thought of the resources that could be

used for God's work if they were avail-

able. Healthy bodies and minds dedi-

cated to the service of God, diverse

abilities, immense sums of money and

time, all are critically needed worldwide

to complete God's work. No one person

knows how much is needed. God de-

sires to provide whatever is needed for

a completed work. He has chosen to

use men and women, boys and girls, as

channels through which His final mes-

sage will be shared and the final work

will be financed. As God blesses His

people all around the world with in-

creasing possessions for a completed

work, we must be certain that we do not

retain for our own personal use the very

means God has provided for the com-

pletion of His work.

This lesson touches one of the most

sensitive areas of our lives. Our re-

sponse can greatly affect the cause of

God. Let us open our minds and our

lives and see what God will do for us

and through us to His glory.

Prosperity

LESSON 10

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❑

Sunday

December 2

Part 1

A TEST

Deut. 8:18

THINK IT THROUGH

What was the source of Israel's prosperity?

"But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he

that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish

his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this

day."

There is recorded in

Testimonies,

Vol. 2, pp. 268-291 a long

communication from Ellen G. White to a sister who had suf-

mered from domestic problems, ill health, and poverty, and who

later was relieved of all of these problems. At one point in

recounting this sister's experience, Ellen G. White recorded

the following paragraph.

"The Lord said to His angel who had hitherto ministered

unto you: 'I have proved her in poverty and affliction, and she

has not separated herself from Me, nor rebelled against Me. I

will now prove her with prosperity. I will reveal to her a page

of the human heart with which she is unacquainted. I will

show her that money is the most dangerous foe she has ever

met. I will reveal to her the deceitfulness of riches; that they

are a snare, even to those who feel that they are secure from

selfishness, and proof against exaltation, extravagance, pride,

and love of the praise of men.'

"—Testimonies,

Vol. 2, p. 278.

We very easily conclude, as did the Jews of Jesus' time,

that prosperity is God's reward to us for our faithfulness, and

therefore an evidence of divine favor upon our lives. The above

experience indicates the falsity of such conclusions.

"The Lord sometimes tests His people with prosperity in

temporal things. But He intends that they shall make a right

use of His gifts. Their property, their time, their strength, and

their opportunities are all of God. For all these blessings they

must account to the

Giver."—Testimonies,

Vol. 4, p. 619.

What do you think is included in the prosperity of the

blessed man described in Ps. 1:1-3?

How am I responding to prosperity?

"The heavenly Guest is standing at your door, while you are

piling up obstructions to bar His entrance. Jesus is knocking

through the prosperity He gives you. He loads you with bless-

ings to test your fidelity, that they may flow out from you to

others. Will you permit your selfishness to triumph? Will you

squander God's talents and lose your soul through idolatrous

love of the blessings He has given?"—Ellen G. White Com-

ments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol. 7, p. 967.

FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 4, pp. 626, 627.

Prosperity

LESSON 10



❑

Monday

December 3

Part 2

THE PURPOSE OF

PROSPERITY

John 6:21

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

For what purpose is man to labor?

"Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that

meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of

man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed."

"The labor that Jesus rebukes here is not that which is nec-

essary in order to gain a livelihood. His rebuke is directed

rather toward those who carry such labor to the extent of

neglecting the nourishment of the soul. What Jesus here re-

proves is the common habit of laboring only for the things of

time, and ignoring the things of eternity."—SDA

Bible Com-

mentary,

on John 6:27.

The desire to accumulate wealth is not necessarily an evil

desire, but it "is an original affection of our nature, implanted

there by our heavenly Father for noble

ends."—Counsels on

Stewardship,

page 148. "Your means are of no more value

than sand, only as used to provide for the daily necessities of

life and to bless others and advance the cause of God."—

Testimonies,

Vol. 4, p. 53.

"We claim to be Christians, waiting for the second appear-

ing of our Lord in the clouds of heaven. Then what shall we

do with cur time, our understanding, our possessions, which

are not ours, but are entrusted to us to test our honesty. Let

us bring them to Jesus. Let us use our treasures for the ad-

vancement of His cause."—Counsels

on Stewardship,

pages

116, 117.

As God raises our potential or ability to give, He also in-

creases our responsibility to give. Possessions increase respon-

sibilities. God prospers us to see whether or not we will keep

all for ourselves or return God's share for the support of His

cause.

How am I using God's gifts to me?

"If they choose, men may refuse to connect themselves with

their Maker; they may refuse to give themselves to His service,

and trade upon His entrusted goods; they may fail to exercise

frugality and self-denial, and may forget that the Lord requires

a return of what He has given them. All such are unfaithful

stewards.

"A faithful steward will do all he possibly can in the service

of God; the one object before him will be the great need of

the world. He will realize that the message of truth is to be

given, not only in his own neighborhood, but in the regions

beyond. When men cherish this spirit, the love of the truth

and the sanctification they will receive through the truth, will

banish avarice, overreaching, and every species of dishonesty."

—Counsels on Stewardship,

page 83.

Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 123-126.

Prosperity

LESSON 10



❑

Tuesday

December 4

Part 3

SATAN PROSPERS

SOME PEOPLE

ler. 12:1

THINK IT THROUGH

What question did Jeremiah ask of God?

"Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? where-

fore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?"

saw that God is not in all the riches that are obtained.

Satan often has much more to do with acquiring property than

God."—Testimonies,

Vol. 1, p. 175.

This amazing statement explains why many of the wicked

prosper. Satan aids some to obtain wealth.

What principle taught by Jesus can explain why Satan

prospers some people? Matt. 6:24.

The danger of prosperity is made extremely clear in the

following statement. "In the midst of prosperity lurks danger.

Throughout the ages, riches and honor have ever been attended

with peril to humility and spirituality. . . Affliction and adver-

sity may cause sorrow, but it is prosperity that is most dan-

gerous to spiritual life. Unless the human subject is in con-

stant submission to the will of God, unless he is sanctified by

the truth, prosperity will surely arouse the natural inclination

to presumption."—Prophets

and Kings,

pages 59, 60.

What wages were many still seeking in Peter's day? Is

it still true? 2 •Peter 2:15.

Worldly gain, honor, and riches are often employed by Satan

to cause man's downfall. "The tempter is ever presenting

worldly gain and honor to entice men from the service of

God. He tells them it is their overconscientiousness that keeps

them from prosperity. Thus many are induced to venture out

of the path of strict integrity."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

page

440.

In whbt

ways am I 'succumbing„to.the temptations of pros-

perity?

"I saw that Satan watches the peculiar, selfish, covetous

temperament of some who profess the truth, and he will tempt

them by throwing prosperity in their path, offering them the

riches of earth. He knows that if they do not overcome their

natural temperament, they will stumble and fall by loving

mammon, worshiping their idol. Satan's object is often accom-

plished. The strong love of the world overcomes, or swallows

up, the love of the truth."—Testimonies, Vol. 1, p. 142.

FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 1, pp. 141-143.

Prosperity

LESSON 10



❑

Wednesday

December 5



Part 4



What did God warn Israel would happen to them if they

ISRAEL FORGOT

forgot Him and worshiped other gods?



Deut. 8:19



"And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the Lord thy God,

and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship

them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish."

One of the greatest dangers of prosperity is that the one

who has been prospered will forget God. Before God led the

Hebrews out of Egypt, He had already planned for their pros-

perity. He carefully explained the dangers of prosperity. Part

of His explanation is in Deut. 8:2, 7. God advised Israel to

remember. In verses 11, 14, and 19 God implored them not to

forget. He said that if they forgot they would perish. God

blessed them as He promised, and with prosperity came the

dangers of which He warned.

Israel forgot the 40 years of manna, the water from the

rock, the clothing that did not wear out, the Red Sea, the

Jordan River, and Jericho.

"It is not the empty cup that we have difficulty in carrying;

it is the cup full to the brim that must be carefully balanced."

—Prophets and Kings,

pages 59, 60.

What experience of Israel showed their complete depen-

dence on God for all they possessed? Deut. 6:10-12.

We think it is unusual that God gave Israel great and goodly

cities which they did not build, houses they did not construct,

filled with things they did not make or purchase, wells of pure

water they did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves ready

to harvest. Do we forget that all we possess is of God? Why

is it so easy to see the faults in the people of Israel but not

those in our own lives? Have we forgotten God?



THINK IT THROUGH



In what ways am I in danger of forgetting God?

"God is constantly bestowing upon you the blessings of

this life; and if He asks you to dispense His gifts by helping

the various branches of His work, it is for your own temporal

and spiritual interest to do so, and thus acknowledge God as

the giver of every blessing. God, as the Master Worker, coop-

erates with men in securing the means necessary for their

sustenance; and He requires them to cooperate with Him in

the salvation of souls. He has placed in the hands of His ser-

vants the means wherewith to carry forward His work in home

and foreign missions. But if only half the people do their duty,

the treasury will not be supplied with the necessary funds, and

many parts of the work of God must be left incomplete."—

Counsels on Stewardship,

page 47.



FURTHER STUDY



Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 147, 148.

Prosperity

LESSON 10



❑

Thursday

December 6

Part 5

DANGERS OF

PROSPERITY

Ps. 52:7

THINK IT THROUGH

What is one source from which people who forget God

seek security?

"Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but

trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened

himself in his wickedness."

"There are many whose hearts have been so hardened by

prosperity that they forget God, and forget the wants of their

fellow-men. Professed Christians adorn themselves with jew-

elry, laces, costly apparel, while the Lord's poor suffer for the

necessities of life. Men and women who claim redemption

through a Saviour's blood will squander the means intrusted to

them for the saving of other souls, and then grudgingly dole

out their offerings for religion, giving liberally only when it will

bring honor to themselves. These are idolaters."—Sons

and

Daughters of God,

page 57.

What did Jesus teach is to be the object of the use of the

believers' resources? John 6:27.

Jesus urged the people not to spend energy, time, and money

on things of little or no eternal consequence. God gives iden-

tical reproof today. "You have forgotten the claims of God

upon you, and the wants of His cause. Selfishness has led

you to expend money in ornaments for the gratification of your-

self and your children. You did not think that this money was

not yours; that it was only lent you to test and prove you, to

see if you would shun the evils you had marked in others. God

made you His steward, and when He cometh and reckoneth

with His servants, what account can you give of your steward-

ship?

"Your faith and simple trust in God began to wane as soon

as means flowed in upon you. You did not depart from God

all at once. Your backsliding was gradual. You ceased the

morning and evening devotions because it was not always

convenient. . . . Your house became a prayerless house. Your

business was made primary, and the Lord and His truth were

made secondary. Look back to the days of your earlier ex-

perience; would these trials then have driven you from family

prayer?"—Testimonies,

Vol. 2, pp. 280, 281.

What are the steps down which prosperity may be leading

me?

FURTHER STUDY



Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 149, 150.

Prosperity

LESSON 10



❑

Friday

December 7

Part 6

THE DANGER OF

ACCUMULATING

POSSESSIONS

Hag. 1:2, 4

What sin of Israel was rebuked through Haggai?

"Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, This people say,

The time is not come, the time that the Lord's house should

be built."

"Is it time for you, 0 ye, to dwell in your cieled houses,

and this house lie waste?"

For fifteen years Israel neglected the cause of God. The

foundation of the temple had been laid the year following their

return from Babylon, 535 B.C., and by 520 B.C. no additional

work had been done on the building. They worked hard for

themselves, but they did not prosper, for God had removed

His blessing from them. They were putting self before God.

"The lack of temporal prosperity was the result of a neglect

to put God's interests first, the prophets declared. Had the

Israelites honored God, had they shown Him due respect and

courtesy, by making the building of His house their first work,

they would have invited His presence and blessing."—Prophets

and Kings,

pages 573, 574.

What advice and comfort did Jesus give to His followers

about possessing goods? Luke 12:15, 32.

"Those who are fastening their means in large houses, in

lands, in worldly enterprises, are saying by their actions: 'God

cannot have it; I want it for myself.' . . . Brethren, God has

not entrusted means to you to lie idle nor to be covetously

retained or hid away, but to be used to advance His cause, to

save the souls of the perishing. It is not the time now to bind

up the Lord's money in your expensive buildings and your

large enterprises, while His cause is crippled and left to beg

its way, the treasury half-supplied. The Lord is not in this way

of working. Remember, the day is fast approaching when it

will be said: 'Give an account of thy stewardship.' Can you

not discern the signs of the

times?"—Testimonies,

Vol. 5, p.

465.



THINK IT THROUGH



How severely have I been affected by the accumulation of

property?

"Some are continually increasing their cares and labors; they

are overcharged. The result is, God and the wants of His cause

are nearly forgotten by them; they are spiritually dead. They

are required to make a sacrifice to God, an offering. A sacrifice

does not increase, but decreases and consumes. . . . Much of

the means among our people is only proving an injury to those

who are holding on to

it."—Testimonies,

Vol. 1,

492.



FURTHER STUDY



Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 151-153.

SACRIFICE

LESSON 11

December 9-15

"Sacrifice is the very beginning of our

work in advancing the truth and in establish-

ing institutions. It is an essential part of edu-

cation. Sacrifice must become habitual in all

our character building in this life if we would

have a building not made with hands, eternal

in the

heavens."—Testimonies,

vol. 6, p.214.

"Greater love hath no manithan this,

that a man lay down his life for his

friends." John 15:13.

The word "sacrifice" has two main

meanings. In the Bible it refers to the

slaughter of an animal at an altar dedi-

cated to a deity. In modern usage it

usually refers to something given up,

lost, or of which one is deprived. When

we speak of sacrificing for the cause

of God we usually mean to convey the

idea of "giving until it hurts," and of

going without something we need or

want in order to give to the Lord. These

two usages—animal offering and depri-

vation—contain different emphases. The

animal offering was sacrificed in the

sense that it was given completely to

a deity. It was slain and its flesh was

burned. The worshiper retained nothing

of the animal sacrificed. The emphasis

is thus on the completeness of the offer-

ing and not on the size of the gift in

relation to what one had left. In the

modern sense sacrifice does not refer

to the completeness of the offering, but

to the self-denial out of which one

makes an offering to God. It is in this

latter meaning that the word sacrifice

is used in this week's lesson, rather

than in the Biblical meaning.

Sacrifice involves quality more than

quantity; the giver more than the gift.

Those who have the most to give have

always been asked to give the most.

The Godhead has had the most to give,

and surely the Godhead has given the

most.

God will ask us to give ourselves un-

til we recognize that we do belong to

Him. He will ask us to increase our

giving until we have willingly, syste-

matically, disinterestedly given Him our

whole life because we love Him.

Study this lesson carefully. Reflect

often upon the gift of God. Apply these

principles to your entire life, body, abil-

ities, money, and time. Learn how to

submit to the will and way of God.

Sacrifice

LESSON 11



❑

Sunday

December

Part 1

WHAT IS

SACRIFICE?

Heb. 10:9, first part

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

What was the Son's purpose in becoming man?

"Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, 0 God."

The word "sacrifice" has always had an elusive meaning

to those suffering from prosperity. Sacrifice has sometimes

been carried to extremes, and has often been misused. Chil-

dren have been given as living sacrifices. Food is offered to

gods of stone by starving people. There have been those who

have sacrificed because they felt it was necessary in order to

secure the favor of deity. Even today some Christians may give

to secure God's favor.

Sacrifice begins as an attitude. An evaluation then takes

place in the mind, and the decision is carried out in the life.

Sacrifice is an attitude that leads to action toward God in

regard to your life and experience. Because of this, sacrifice

varies with each of us in application.

If your attitude is correct, you will regard your life, body,

abilities, possessions, and time, as belonging to God and as

available for Him to do with them as He will. It is not only a

matter of how much God wants, but also of when He wants

it. You will be ready to surrender any part, or all, of your life

into His service whenever He calls for help or you see a need.

What true sacrifice replaced the symbol of sacrifice? Heb.

10:5, 6.

Sacrifice was planned in heaven and inaugurated in the

Garden of Eden. Its greatest manifestation was on a cross

where hung the body of Jesus Christ. The whole plan of sal-

vation was founded upon the principle of sacrifice. Later the

Christian church was founded upon the same principle.

The result of sacrifice is that God can do with you whatever

He desires. "Then he said, 'Here I am, God, to do what you

want me to do.' " Heb. 10:9, TEV.

What is my attitude toward God and my life?

"From the creation the moral law was an essential part of

God's divine plan, and was as unchangeable as Himself. The

ceremonial law was to answer a particular purpose in Christ's

plan for the salvation of the race. The typical system of sacri-

fices and offerings was established that through these services

the sinner might discern the great offering, Christ. But the Jews

were so blinded by pride and sin that but few of them could

see farther than the death of beasts as an atonement for

sin;

and when Christ, whom these offerings prefigured, came, they

could not discern Him."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bib!"

Commentary,

Vol. 6, pp. 1094, 1095.

Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 46-50.

Sacrifice

LESSON 11



❑

Monday

December 10

Part 2

A LIVING

SACRIFICE

Gen. 22:2

What sacrifice did God ask of Abraham?

"And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac,

whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and

offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains

which I will tell thee of."

Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son. He did not withhold

him. As far as Abraham was concerned he had sacrificed his

son; Isaac had been given. God did not actually take the gift,

for He knew Abraham's intentions and his attitude without

taking it. It was offered. It was accepted. It was ready to be

used. Abraham did not withhold his son. This demonstrated

that he would withhold nothing from God.

What sacrifice did Paul appeal to the believers in Rome

to make? Rom. 12:1.

Money alone has become the common denominator of sacri-

fice to most people today. Even in the church, money, instead

of Jesus, too often comes to the forefront of our thinking when

the word "sacrifice" is heard. Money is absolutely essential. It

must be sacrificed or yielded along with abilities, time, and

the body temple. Any of these given separately without the

others and without the correct attitude are not the gift God

desires from us. They are of significance only when they in-

dicate that the complete life has been yielded to God. God

seeks a living sacrifice.

We cannot atone for our sins. Why then does God call upon

us to be living sacrifices? It is an indication to Him that we

have accepted His gift of love and sacrifice, the gift of Himself,

in our behalf. It is a sign to Him that we have given ourselves

as a living sacrifice to Him. We have placed ourselves upon

the altar of sacrifice, living a life which meets His approval.



THINK IT THROUGH



Am I a vibrant, optimistic, joyous, living sacrifice?

"In the words of Abraham, 'My son, God will provide Himself

a Iamb for a burnt offering' (Gen. 22:8), and in God's provision

of a sacrifice instead of Isaac, it was declared that no man

could make expiation for himself. The pagan system of sacri-

fice was wholly unacceptable to God. No father was to offer

up his son or his daughter for a sin offering. The Son of God

alone can bear the guilt of the world."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 469.



FURTHER STUDY



Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 51-53.

Sacrifice

LESSON 11



❑

Tuesday

December 11

Part 3

SELF-DENIAL

Matt. 16:24

What instruction did Jesus give for one who would follow

Him?

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come

after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and

follow me."

"Christians who live for self dishonor their Redeemer. They

may apparently be very active in the service of the Lord, but

they weave self into all that they do. Sowing the seeds of

selfishness, they must at last reap a harvest of corruption. . . .

Service for self takes a variety of forms. Some of these forms

seem harmless. Apparent goodness gives them the appearance

of genuine goodness. But they bring no glory to the Lord. By

their service His cause is hindered. Christ says, 'He that is

not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me

scattereth abroad.'

"Those who bring self into their work cannot be trusted. If

they would lose sight of self in Christ, their efforts would be

of value to His cause. They would then conform the life to His

teachings. They would form their plans in harmony with His

great plan of love. Selfishness would be banished from their

efforts. . . . Self-denial, humility of mind, nobility of purpose,

marked the Saviour's life . . . [Matt. 16:24 quoted]."—Ellen G.

White Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol. 5, p. 1096.

"As we follow Him in the path of self-denial, lifting the cross

and bearing it after Him to His Father's home, we shall reveal

in our lives the beauty of the Christ life. At the altar of self-

sacrifice,—the appointed place of meeting between God and

the soul,—we receive from the hand of God the celestial torch

which searches the heart, revealing the need of an abiding

Christ."—Counsels

on Stewardship,

page 30.

What contrast does Paul make between things seen and

unseen? What is the implication for stewardship? 2 Cor.

4:17, 18.



THINK IT THROUGH



Is your life upon the altar of self-sacrifice?

"Unselfish devotion and a spirit of sacrifice have always

been and always will be the first requisite of acceptable ser-

vice. . . . Yet in all our labors we are to remember that the

greatest talents or the most splendid services are acceptable

only when self is laid upon the altar, a living, consuming

sacrifice."—Prophets

and Kings,

page 65.



FURTHER STUDY



Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 54-57.

Sacrifice

LESSON 11



❑

Wednesday

December 12



Part 4



What answer did Jesus give to one who sought eternal

PRACTICAL

life?



APPLICATIONS



"And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master,

Matt. 19:16, 21

what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

"Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell

that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have

treasure in heaven: and come and follow me."

What sacrifices does God ask of you? He may ask of you

what He asked of the rich young ruler. You may be asked to

sell some or all of what you possess to support His cause.

Many people are willing to trade away eternity for temporary

life. God has given guides to teach us how to sacrifice and

where to begin sacrificing. Here is where to begin:

"Let the members of the church now put away their pride

and lay off their ornaments."—Counsels

on Stewardship,

page

291.

Next, lay aside useless and injurious things. Sacrifice by

depriving self of unnecessary gratification. Sacrifice hate, envy,

evil habits. Sacrifice sin! See

Early Writings,

pages 121, 122.

The next step is this: "But something more must be done

than merely to dispense with superfluities. Self-denial must be

practiced. Some of our comfortable and desirable things must

be sacrificed. The preachers must sharpen up their message,

not merely assailing self-indulgence, and pride in dress, but

presenting Jesus, His life of self-denial and sacrifice."—Coun-

sels

on Stewardship,

page 291.

It is easier now to understand that sacrifice is an attitude.

Consider the contrast between your home and one that was

near a carpenter's shop in Nazareth of Galilee.



THINK IT THROUGH



Would I feel at ease with Jesus physically present in my

home? Why?

"If ever there was a time when sacrifices should be made,

it is now. My brethren and sisters, practice economy in your

homes. Put away the idols that you have placed before God.

Give up your selfish pleasures. Do not, I beg of you, spend

means embellishing your houses; for your money belongs to

God, and to Him you must give an account for its use. Do not

use the Lord's money to gratify the fancies of your children.

Teach them that God has a claim on all they possess, and that

nothing can ever cancel this claim. .

"If you have extravagant habits, cut them away from your

life at once. Unless you do this, you will be bankrupt for eter-

nity."—Counsels

on Stewardship,

page 37.

FURTHER STUDY



Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 298-302.

Sacrifice

LESSON 11



❑

Thursday

December 13

Part 5

NOW IS THE TIME

TO SACRIFICE

Matt. 19:29, 30

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

What is promised to those who forsake what they love for

the benefit of the kingdom?

"And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren,

or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands,

for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall

inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last;

and the last shall be first."

Is this the time of the end? Is it the time for Jesus to

return? Is it the time for a completed work? Then it is time

to sacrifice. Sacrifice time, abilities, money, the pleasures of

the body. It is time to have more than a spirit of liberality. It

is time to sacrifice for God and His cause. It will be easy or

difficult, depending on your attitude.

Who only can buy or sell when the image of the beast

becomes established? Rev. 13:16, 17.

Whatever is not disposed of prior to the close of probation

will be of no use to the cause of God. What a sobering thought

this is! "I was shown that it is the will of God that the saints

should cut loose from every encumbrance before the time of

trouble comes, and make a covenant with God through sacri-

fice. If they have their property on the altar, and earnestly

inquire of God for duty, He will teach them when to dispose

of these things....

"I saw that if any held on to their property, and did not

inquire of the Lord as to their duty, He would not make duty

known, and they would be permitted to keep their property,

and in the time of trouble it would come up before them like

a mountain to crush them, and they would try to dispose of

it, but would not be

able."—Counsels on Stewardship,

pages

59, 60.

To what extent is my self-denial reflecting what I claim

is my love for God?

"In redemption God has revealed His love in sacrifice, a

sacrifice so broad and deep and high that it is immeasur-

able....

"The gift of God to man is beyond all computation. Nothing

was withheld. God would not permit it to be said that He could

have done more or revealed to humanity a greater measure of

love. In the gift of Christ He gave all heaven."—Sons

and

Daughters of God,

page 11.

Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 58-60.

Sacrifice

LESSON 11



❑

Friday

December 14

Part 6

NOTHING

WITHHELD

2 Cor. 8:5

What was the real gift of the Macedonians?

"And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their

own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God."

The Macedonians were following the example of Jesus

Christ in their giving. The cause of the people in Jerusalem

became their cause. They gave themselves as well as their

gifts to God. They withheld nothing. They were consecrated

and devoted followers of Jesus Christ, and as a result of this

consecration and devotion their spiritual and financial gifts

went out to those in need.

"It was not necessary to urge them to give; rather, they

rejoiced in the privilege of denying themselves even of neces-

sary things in order to supply the needs of others. When the

apostle would have restrained them, they importuned him to

accept their offering. In their simplicity and integrity, and in

their love for the brethren, they gladly denied self, and thus

abounded in the fruit of benevolence."—Counsels

on Steward-

ship,

page 172.

Sacrifice is not dealing primarily with how much you give

or do not give, but with how much you give in relation to how

much you have left. All, even yourself, is available to the One

you love and to your brethren everywhere. This is what it means

Welfare Ministry,

page 203, where it says that even the poor

are to sacrifice. They are not forced or compelled to do so.

They cannot be prevented from doing so. Sacrifice becomes a

pleasure and a delight.

What is the ultimate sacrifice? John 15:13.



THINK IT THROUGH



What evidence is there in my experience that I have the

faith to trust God with my entire life?

"It is the heart service that makes the gift valuable. When

the Majesty of heaven became a babe, and was entrusted to

Mary, she did not have much to offer for the precious gift. She

brought to the altar only two turtledoves, the offering ap-

pointed for the poor; but they were an acceptable sacrifice to

the Lord. She could not present rare treasures such as the

wise men of the East came to Bethlehem to lay before the Son

of God; yet the mother of Jesus was not rejected because of

the smallness of her gift. It was the willingness of her heart

that the Lord looked upon, and her love made the offering

sweet. So God will accept our gift, however small, if it is the

best we have, and is offered from love to

Him."—Counsels on

Stewardship,

page 176. •



FURTHER STUDY



Counsels on Stewardship,

page 180.

GOD'S GUIDES FOR STEWARDSHIP

LESSON 12

December 16-22

"According to your faith be it unto

you." Matt. 9:29, last part.

God has given man specific guidelines

for living which involve each part of

man's life. Many look upon God's guides

for both living and giving as restrictive

and domineering. Actually, God intends

them to be positive guides which will

assist us as we learn how to live and

give ourselves completely to Him.

Material possessions have always

served as a successful area of tempta-

tion by Satan. For this reason, this les-

son will be concerned primarily with

God's guides for the stewardship of

material possessions.

Adam and Eve succumbed to the

temptations of Satan on this very point.

They took something which God had

reserved for Himself. Men have been

doing so ever since.

Many faithful members are honestly

asking, How much should I return to

God? The more we study the subject

of stewardship, the more we realize that

the answer depends on our individual

circumstances and our faith. Jesus said,

"According to your faith be it unto you."

Matt. 9:29. God's people in past ages

have supported His work. How much did

they give? Why did they give it? A

prayerful look at their stewardship may

help us to decide what our responsibil-

ity is in the light of our own prosperity

or adversity, and considering the serious

moment at which our world has arrived.

The article by Ellen G. White

which follows this lesson was

printed in the

Review and Her-

ald,

April 18, 1912. "Our Gifts

and Offerings" is to be read as

supplementary material for this

week's lesson.

God's Guides for Stewardship

LESSON 12



❑

Sunday

December 16

Part 1

THE TITHE

RETURNED FIRST

Lev. 27:30

What claim did God make upon all that Israel acquired?

"And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the

land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's: it is holy unto

the Lord."

God has never disclaimed this principle. He still claims as

His own the first 10 percent of all He gives us or helps us to

acquire. It is reserved by God for His own purposes. Man does

not give the tithe to God as a gift. It already belongs to God.

"'Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse' (Malachi 3:10),

is God's command. No appeal is made to gratitude or to gen-

erosity. This is a matter of simple honesty. The tithe is the

Lord's; and He bids us return to Him that which is His own."

—Education,

pages 138, 139.

When is the tithe to be returned? Prov. 3:9, 10.

The returning of God's tithe comes first. "Let each regularly

examine his income, which is all a blessing from God, and

set apart the tithe as a separate fund, to be sacredly the

Lord's. This fund should not in any case be devoted to any

other use; it is to be devoted solely to support the ministry of

the gospel. After the tithe is set apart, let gifts and offerings

be apportioned, 'as God hath prospered'

you."—Counsels on

Stewardship,

page 81.

"Not only does the Lord claim the tithe as His own, but He

tells us

how

it should be reserved for Him. He says, 'Honor the

Lord with thy substance, and with the

first fruits

of all thine in-

crease.' This does not teach that we are to spend our means

on ourselves, and bring to the Lord the remnant, even though

it should be otherwise an honest tithe. Let God's portion be first

set apart."—Counsels

on Stewardship,

page 81.



THINK IT THROUGH



In what ways do I need to correct my record of tithing?

"That which has been set apart according to the Scriptures

as belonging to the Lord, constitutes the revenue of the gospel

and is no longer ours. It is no better than sacrilege for a man

to take from God's treasury in order to serve himself or to serve

others in their secular business. . . . All should regard this

matter in the right light. Let no one, when brought into a strait

place, take money consecrated to religious purposes and use

it for his advantage, soothing his conscience by saying that he

will repay it at some future time. Far better cut down the ex-

penses to correspond with the income, to restrict the wants,

and live within the means than to use the Lord's money for

secular purposes."—Testimonies, Vol. 9, pp. 246, 247.



FURTHER STUDY



Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 73-76.

God's Guides for Stewardship

LESSON 12



❑

Monday

December 17

Part 2

GUIDES FOR

OFFERINGS, I

1 Cor. 16:2

What guide for giving did Paul give to the Corinthian

believers?

"Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay

by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be

no gatherings when I come."

The tithe is not an offering. If a person returns the tithe, he

is being honest, but he is not giving God anything. It is only

after we return the tithe that we begin to give.

How much offering shall I give? This is a question frequently

asked about giving. The answer is to give as God has made

it possible for you to give. No one can tell you what is the

correct amount for you to give.

There were at least fourteen offerings instituted by God in

ancient Israel for religious and charitable purposes. Some

were in force among God's people before Israel was a nation.

However, the spirit of prophecy summarizes the combined

amount of these offerings for religious and charitable purposes

and reveals the percentage they amounted to.

It is not the purpose in noting these guides to set up a

criterion that all must follow. The circumstances of believers

vary greatly, and each one must be persuaded for himself what

his duty is in stewardship. On the other hand, it is appropriate

to note both the requirements of God and the liberality of His

people in ages past; and while this information does not impose

a requirement on us today, it can give us perspective in ex-

amining our stewardship.

"To promote the assembling of the people for religious ser-

vice, as well as to provide for the poor, a second tithe of all

the increase was required. . . . This tithe, or its equivalent in

money, they were for two years to bring to the place where

the sanctuary was established. After presenting a thank offer-

ing to God, and a specified portion to the priest, the offerers

were to use the remainder for a religious feast, in which the

Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow should par-

ticipate. Thus provision was made for the thank offerings and

feasts at the yearly festivals, and the people were drawn to

the society of the priests and Levites, that they' might receive

instruction and encouragement in the service of

God."—Pa-

triarchs and Prophets,

page 530.



THINK IT THROUGH



What is my reaction to giving to the poor? Is it Christlike?

"The Christian will be filled with joy in proportion as he is

a faithful steward of his Lord's goods."—Counsels

on Steward-

ship,

page 136.



FURTHER STUDY



Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 71, 72.

God's Guides for Stewardship

LESSON 12



❑

Tuesday

December 18

Part 3

GUIDES FOR

OFFERINGS, II

Mal. 3:8

By what has God ordained that His work be sustained?

"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye

say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings."

Tithes and offerings constitute God's plan for sustaining His

work. To refuse to return His tithe and give equitable offerings

incurs His disfavor and pronouncement of robbery. Robbery

is involved in withholding offerings as well as tithe. "The con-

tributions required of the Hebrews for religious and charitable

purposes amounted to fully one-fourth of their income. So

heavy a tax upon the resources of the people might be ex-

pected to reduce them to poverty; but, on the contrary, the

faithful observance of these regulations was one of the condi-

tions of their prosperity."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

page 527.

Ellen G. White further writes: "When we speak of the tithe

as the standard of the Jewish contributions to religious pur-

poses, we do not speak understandingly. The Lord kept His

claims paramount, and in almost every article they were re-

minded of the Giver by being required to make returns to Him.

They were required to pay a ransom for their firstborn son, for

the first fruits of their flocks, and for the first gathering of the

harvest. They were required to leave the corners of their har-

vest fields for the destitute. Whatever dropped from their

hands in reaping was left for the poor, and once in every seven

years their lands were allowed to produce spontaneously for

the needy. Then there were the sacrificial offerings, the tres-

pass offerings, the sin offerings, and the remission of all debts

every seventh year. There were also numerous expenses for

hospitalities and gifts to the poor, and there were assessments

upon their property.

"At stated periods, in order to preserve the integrity of the

law, the people were interviewed as to whether they had faith-

fully performed their vows or not. A conscientious few made

returns to God of about one-third of all their income for the

benefit of religious interests and for the poor. These exactions

were not from a particular class of the people, but from

all,

the requirement being proportioned according to the amount

possessed."—Testimonies,

Vol. 4, p. 467.



THINK IT THROUGH



Is my conscience stricken when I rob God?

"There must be an awakening among us as a people upon

this matter. There are but few men who feel conscience stricken

if they neglect their duty in beneficence. But few feel remorse-

ful of soul because they are daily robbing

God."—Counsels on

Stewardship,

page 318.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 4, pp. 467, 468.

God's Guides for Stewardship

LESSON 12



❑

Wednesday

December 19

Part 4

GUIDES FOR

OFFERINGS, III

Phil. 3:8

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

How much did Paul give?

"Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the

excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for

whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count

them but dung, that I may win Christ."

"All things.

In v. 7 Paul says that he counted the things

previously mentioned as loss. In this verse he goes further

and declares that all things are counted loss. He is ready to

renounce not only the things he had specified but everything

that could be imagined. If all the wealth and honor conceivable

were his, he would cheerfully repudiate them that he might

know Christ."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

on Phil. 3:8.

"Before he became a disciple of Christ, Paul had occupied

a high position and was not dependent upon manual labor for

support. But afterward, when he had used all his means in

furthering the cause of Christ, he resorted at times to his

trade to gain a livelihood. Especially was this the case when

he labored in places where his motives might have been mis-

understood."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 347.

How were funds provided for construction of the taber-

nacle? Ex. 35:29; 36:6, 7.

"The murmurings of the Israelites and the visitations of

God's judgments because of their

sins

are recorded as a

warning to after-generations. And their devotion, their zeal

and liberality, are an example worthy of imitation. All who

love the worship of God and prize the blessing of His sacred

presence will manifest the same spirit of sacrifice in preparing

a house where He may meet with them. They will desire to

bring to the Lord an offering of the very best that they possess.

A house built for God should not be left in debt, for He is

thereby dishonored. An amount sufficient to accomplish the

work should be freely given, that the workmen may be able to

say,

as did the builders of the tabernacle, 'Bring no more

offerings.'

"—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

pages 344-347.

In what ways am I practicing economy that others may

know God?

"There should be no extravagance in building fine homes,

in buying costly furniture, in indulging in worldly dress, or in

providing luxurious food; but in everything let us think of the

souls for whom Christ has died. Let selfishness and pride die."

—Counsels on Stewardship,

page 298.

Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 298-300.

God's Guides for Stewardship

LESSON 12



D Thursday

December 20

Part 5

ALL IN A

LIVING TRUST

Luke 14:33

What giving guide did Jesus give?

"So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not

all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple."

Discipleship involves placing everything on the altar—plans,

possessions, riches, and relatives. Nothing is to stand between

a person and his Lord.

For man's own spiritual welfare, God's guides for steward-

ship do not stop at any particular percentage.

"He deserves the whole heart, the property, all that they

have and are. But many professed Christians put off the claims

of Jesus in life, and insult Him by giving Him a mere pittance

at death.

"Let all of this class remember that this robbery of God is

not an impulsive action, but a well-considered plan which

they preface by saying, 'Being in sound mind.' After having

defrauded the cause of God through life, they perpetuate the

fraud after death. And this is with the full consent of all the

powers of the

mind."—Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 326,

327.

God's guides for giving may include a will or a trust, but

it is to be a living trust, working for God even while we still

live. "And it should be distinctly understood that because par-

ents have made their will, this will not prevent them from giving

means to the cause of God while they live. This they should

do. They should have the satisfaction here, and‘the,

reward

hereafter, of disposing...of 'their ;surplus meansF,while

—Counsels on Stewardship;

page 330.



THINK IT THROUGH



How can I best use my possessions to God's glory?

"The children left to depend upon th'eir 'own

resources gen-

erally prize their abilities, improve their privileges;',and•culti--

vate and direct their faculties to accomplish a purpose In

. . . Those children for whom parents do the most, frequently

feel under the least obligation toward

them."—Counsels on

Stewardship,

page 332.



FURTHER STUDY



Counsels on Stewardship,

pages 333-335.

God's Guides for Stewardship

LESSON 12



❑

Friday

December 21

Part 6

THESE GUIDES

APPLY TODAY

1 Cor. 10:11

Are there lessons for us to learn from the children of Israel?

"Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples:

and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends

of the world are come."

One of God's purposes in providing Israel with guidelines

for giving was to teach them and, when applicable, to warn

them not to trust in their own strength or wisdom. We today

cannot return a substantial percentage of our income to God

without His direct blessing any more than families in Israel

could. It takes as much faith now as then.

One may wonder if these guidelines apply today. Through

the spirit of prophecy directed specifically to His people today

comes God's positive answer. Consider carefully His words to

you.

After the death of Jesus the gospel message expanded rap-

idly. God had already provided a plan for its financial support.

The plan was used prior to Israel, then by Israel, by the early

church, and it is in force today. "The gospel, extending and

widening, required greater provisions to sustain the warfare

after the death of Christ, and this made the law of almsgiving

a more urgent necessity than under the Hebrew government.

Now God requires, not less, but greater gifts than at any other

period of the

world."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 392.

In reference to spiritual Israel, or the church of today, God

says: "There are even more urgent necessities upon the Israel

of God in these last days than were upon ancient Israel. There

is a great and important work to be accomplished in a very

short

time."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 396.

Again God urges that more, not less, be given and explains

why. "In the days of Israel the tithe and freewill offerings were

needed to maintain the ordinances of divine service. Should

the people of God give less in this

age?"—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

page 528.



THINK IT THROUGH



How can I determine my stewardship requirements?

"God requires no less of us than He required of His people

anciently. His gifts to us are not less, but greater, than they

were to Israel of old. His service requires, and ever will require,

means."—Counsels on Stewardship,

page 71.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 2, pp. 569-571.

OUR GIFTS AND OFFERINGS

Ellen G. White

Our Churches are often appealed to

for gifts. and offerings to aid missionary

enterprises in the home field and to

sustain the missionary work abroad. Let

us not complain because we are often

asked to give for the upbuilding of the

cause. What is it that makes these fre-

quent calls a necessity? Is it not the

rapid increase of missionary enter-

prises? Shall we, by refusing to give, re-

tard the growth of these enterprises?

From every church, prayers should

ascend to God for an increase of devo-

tion and liberality. Those whose hearts

are knit with the heart of Christ will be

glad to do what they can to help the

cause of God. They will rejoice in the

continual expansion and advancement,

which means larger and more frequently

given offerings.

We may well feel that it is a privilege

to be laborers together with God by

giving of our means to set in operation

that which will carry out his purposes in

the world. All who possess the Spirit of

Christ will have a tender, sympathetic

heart, and an open, generous hand.

Nothing can be really selfish that has

Christ for its absorbing object. True

faith works by love and purifies the

soul. It is a holy faith, superior to sen-

sual delight. It is a power enabling the

soul to apply itself resolutely to irksome

tasks and self-sacrifice for the Master's

sake.

To us has been entrusted the work of

proclaiming the last message of mercy

to be given to our world,—the message

that is to prepare a people to stand in

the day of God. Do we realize our ac-

countability? Are we acting our part in

the proclamation of the message? The

present time is burdened with eternal

interests. We are to unfurl the standard

of truth before a world perishing in

error. God calls for men to rally under

Christ's blood-stained banner, give the

Bible to the people, multiply camp-

meetings in different localities, warn the

cities, and send the warning far and

near in the highways and byways of the

world.

However large the income or the pos-

sessions of any person, any family, or

any institution, let all remember that

they are only stewards, holding in trust

the Lord's money. All profit, all pay, our

time, our talents, our opportunities, are

to be accounted for to Him who gives

them all. The Lord is constantly proving

us, to see if our work is free from self-

ishness and pride. Those workers will

have the richest reward who prove that

they love God supremely and their

neighbors as themselves.

Consider the necessities of our mis-

sion fields throughout the world. Our

missionaries labor hard and earnestly,

but often they are greatly hindered in

their work because the treasury is

empty, and they can not be given facil-

ities necessary for the greatest success

of their labor.

May God help those who have been

entrusted with this world's goods to

awaken to his design and to their in-

dividual responsibilities. God says to

them, I have put you in possession of my

goods that you may trade upon them

to carry forward the Christian missions

that are to be established far and near.

I have given you the benefits of accu-

mulated knowledge. The advantages of

the past and present are yours. The

truth for this time must be carried to

those who have never heard it. Not all

can go as missionaries to foreign lands,

but all can do the work waiting for them

in their own neighborhood. All can give

of their means for the carrying forward

of foreign missionary work.

Many to-day are keeping back that

which the Lord has entrusted to them

for the carrying forward of his work.

Year after year thousands pass into the

grave unwarned and unsaved, while the

talent of means is hidden in a napkin,

buried in worldly enterprises. The guilt

of thus hiding the Lord's money passes

all computation. When I see persons

spending money for needless trimmings

and needless furnishings, I think of

Jesus. He might have come to this earth

adorned with the glory of kingly power.

But he chose a life of self-denial and

self-sacrifice. "If any man will come

after me," said Christ, "let him deny

himself, and take up his cross, and fol-

low me." Those who follow in his foot-

steps will remember that every dollar

they can spare is needed in the work

that God has said shall be done in the

earth.

Be merciful, even as your Father in

heaven is merciful. Think of the great

gift God has made for you. Think of

what he has done to secure your salva-

tion. Your sinful condition demanded a

sacrifice. In your spiritual destitution

you had nothing to offer. But Christ

came to the world, and on the cross

offered himself as a sacrifice for you.

Herein is love. God has given you a

proof of his love that defies all compu-

tation. We have no line with which to

measure it, no standard with which to

compare it. God invites you to let your

gratitude flow forth in gifts and offer-

ings. He calls upon you to be his merci-

ful helping hand. Can you refuse the

request of One who has done so much

for you?

Christ wept at the sight of woe. Let

his tenderness come into your hearts.

Practise self-denial that you may have

wherewith to relieve the sufferings of

God's children. Let the same mind be

in you which was also in Christ Jesus.

He is the author of your faith, and he

will be the finisher if you will be par-

takers of his self-sacrifice. Many of you

enjoy a portion of this world's goods.

When spending your money, think of

what Jesus would do were he in your

place. He calls upon his followers to

tread in his footsteps of self-denial and

self-sacrifice. The character of the

Christian is to be a reproduction of the

character of Christ. The same love, the

same grace, the same unselfish benev-

olence, seen in his life, is to character-

ize the lives of his followers. God will

bless all who are willing to give and to

labor for the salvation of the world as

did his beloved Son.

There are many clear and striking

promises to the liberal. "The liberal soul

shall be made fat; and he that watereth

shall be watered also himself." "Give,

and it shall be given unto you; good

measure, pressed down, and shaken to-

gether, and running over, shall men give

into your bosom." "Honor the Lord

with thy substance, and with the first-

fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy

barns be filled with plenty, and thy

presses shall burst out with new wine."

Brethren and sisters, try the experiment.

Be liberal in your dealing with the Lord's

work.

God will encourage his faithful stew-

ards who are ready to put all their ener-

gies and God-given endowments to the

very best use. As all learn the lesson

of faithfully rendering to God what is

his due, he through his providence will

enable some to bring princely offerings.

He will enable others to make smaller

offerings; and the small and the large

gifts are acceptable to him if given with

an eye single to his glory. "He that min-

istereth seed to the sower both minister

bread for your food, and multiply your

seed sown, and increase the fruits of

your righteousness; being enriched in

everything to all bountifulness, which

causeth through us thanksgiving to

God."—Review

and Herald,

April 18,

1912.

100

GOD'S GIFTS

LESSON 13

December

23-29

"But unto every one of us is given

grace according to the measure of the

gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith,

When he ascended up on high, he led

captivity captive, and gave gifts unto

men." Eph. 4:7,8.

The first lesson of this quarter dealt

with God's ownership, which was fol-

lowed through the quarter with lessons

on man's stewardship. But another way

to look at the relationship between God

and man is to see God as a giver and

the Christian person as one who is con-

stantly responding to God in gratitude

for His gifts. Man is always in the posi-

tion of being undeserving of that which

God does for him, and with no means

of really repaying God. But then, gifts

are not meant to be repaid. The Giver

is looking for gratitude, not payment.

The immensity of His gifts provides a

measure of the grateful response that

is appropriate on the part of every per-

son.

"But the gift of Christ reveals the

Father's heart. .. . It declares that while

God's hatred of sin is as strong as

death, His love for the sinner is stronger

than ddath. Having undertaken our re-

demption, He will spare nothing, how-

ever dear, which is necessary to the

completion of His work."—The

Desire of

Ages,

page 57.

The Lord "watches for some return

of gratitude from us, as the mother

watches for the smile of recognition from

her beloved child. He would have us

understand how earnestly and tenderly

His heart yearns over us. He invites us

to take our trials to His sympathy, our

sorrows to His love, our wounds to His

healing, our weakness to His strength,

our emptiness to His fullness. Never has

one been disappointed who came unto

Him."—Thoughts From the Mount of

Blessings,

pages 84, 85.

In this week's lesson we will study

about God's gifts and what our response

should be.

101

God's Gifts

LESSON 13



❑

Sunday

December

Part 1

GIFT AT

BETHLEHEM

Luke 2:10, 11

What identity did the angels give to the child whose birth

they announced to the shepherds?

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I

bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all

people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a

Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

"The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme. In it is

hidden 'the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowl-

edge of God.' Rom. 11:33. We marvel at the Saviour's sacrifice

in exchanging the throne of heaven for the manger, and the

companionship of adoring angels for the beasts of the stall.

Human pride and self-sufficiency stand rebuked in His pres-

ence. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and

temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life."—The

Desire of Ages,

pages 48, 49.

In what way did the Magi honor the infant Jesus? Matt.

2:11.

"Through the gifts of the magi from a heathen country, the

Lord supplied the means for the journey into Egypt and the

sojourn in a land of strangers.

"The magi had been among the first to welcome the Re-

deemer. Their gift was the first that was laid at His feet. And

through that gift, what privilege of ministry was theirs! The

offering from the heart that loves, God delights to honor, giving

it highest efficiency in service for Him. If we have given our

hearts to Jesus, we also shall bring our gifts to Him. Our gold

and silver, our most precious earthly possessions, our highest

mental and spiritual endowments, will be freely devoted to Him

who loved us, and gave Himself for

us."—The Desire of Ages,

page 65.



THINK IT THROUGH



What is the significance of the birth of Jesus to me today?

"While urging upon all the duty of first bringing their offer-

ings to God, I would not wholly condemn the practice of mak-

ing Christmas and New Year's gifts to our friends. It is right

to bestow upon one another tokens of love and remembrance

if we do not in this forget God, our best Friend."—Review

and

Herald,

Dec. 26, 1882.

"Let there be recorded in the heavenly books such a Christ-

mas as has never yet been seen because of the donations

which shall be given for the sustaining of the work of God and

the upbuilding of His kingdom."—The

Adventist Home,

page

483.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pages 43-49.

102

God's Gifts

LESSON 13



❑

Monday

December 24

Part 2

GIFT AT THE CROSS

Rom. 5:1, 8

THINK IT THROUGH

"For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet per-

adventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But

God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were

yet sinners, Christ died for us."

"How full the atonement of the Saviour for our guilt! The

Redeemer, with a heart of unalterable love, still pleads His

sacred blood in the sinner's behalf. The wounded hands, the

pierced side, the marred feet, plead eloquently for fallen man,

whose redemption is purchased at such an infinite cost. Oh,

matchless condescension! Neither time nor events can lessen

the efficacy of the atoning sacrifice. As the fragrant cloud of

incense rose acceptably to heaven, and Aaron sprinkled the

blood upon the mercy seat of ancient Israel and cleansed the

people from guilt, so the merits of the slain Lamb are accepted

by God today as a purifier from the defilement of

sin."—Testi-

monies,

Vol. 4, p. 124.

Who does Paul declare to be an object of Christ's atone-

ment? Gal. 2:20. What truth is taught by the phrase "gave

himself for me"?

"The acceptance of Christ gives value to the human being.

His sacrifice carries life and light to all who take Christ as their

personal Saviour. The love of God through Jesus Christ is

shed abroad in the heart of every member of His body, carry-

ing with it the vitality of the law of God the Father. Thus God

may dwell with man, and man may dwell with God. . . .

"If through faith man becomes one with Christ, he can win

life everlasting. God loves those who are redeemed through

Christ, even as He loves His Son. What a thought! Can God

love the sinner as He loves His own Son?—Yes; Christ has

said it, and He means just what He says. He will honor all our

drafts if we will grasp His promise by living faith, and put our

trust in Him. Look to Him, and

live."—Selected Messages,

Bk.

1, pp. 299, 300.

What does the cross mean?

"Under the mighty impulse of His love, He took our place

in the universe, and invited the Ruler of all things to treat Him

as a representative of the human family. He identified Himself

with our interests, bared His breast for the stroke of death,

took man's guilt and its penalty, and offered in man's behalf

a complete sacrifice to God. By virtue of this atonement, He

has power to offer to man perfect righteousness and full salva-

tion. Whosoever shall believe on Him as a personal Saviour

shall not perish, but have everlasting life."—Ellen G. White

Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol. 7, pp. 924, 925.

FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

Vol. 9, pp. 253-255.

103

God's Gifts

LESSON 13



❑

Tuesday

December 25



Part 3



What provision did Jesus make to fill the vacancy left

GIFT OF THE SPIRIT

by His departure?



John 14:16, 26



"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another

Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the

Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have

said unto you."

"Christ determined that when He ascended from this earth,

He would bestow a gift on those who had believed on Him, and

those who should believe on Him. What gift could He bestow

rich enough to signalize and grace His ascension to the media-

torial throne? It must be worthy of His greatness and His

royalty. He determined to give His representative, the third

person of the Godhead. This gift could not be excelled. He

would give all gifts in one, and therefore the divine Spirit, that

converting, enlightening, and sanctifying power, would be His

donation....

"Christ is represented by the Holy Spirit; and when this

Spirit is appreciated, when those controlled by the Spirit com-

municate to others the energy with which they are imbued,

an invisible chord is touched which electrifies the whole. Would

that we could all understand how boundless are the divine

resources."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Commen-

tary,

Vol. 6, pp. 1052, 1053.

What are the results of receiving Christ's gift of the Spirit?

John 16:8-11; Gal. 5:22, 23.

"If the sinner responds to the quickening influence of the

Spirit, he will be brought to repentance, and aroused to the

importance of obeying the divine requirements. . . .

"It is through the mighty agency of the Holy Spirit that the

government of Satan is to be subdued and subjected. It is

the Holy Spirit that convinces of sin and expels it from the

soul by the consent of the human agent. . . . Through the

merits of Christ man may be able to exercise the noblest

powers of his being and expel sin from his soul."—My

Life

Today,

page 43.



THINK IT THROUGH



What is my relationship with the Holy Spirit?

"If all were willing, all would be filled with the Spirit."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 50.



FURTHER STUDY



The Acts of the Apostles,

pages 47-50.

104

God's Gifts

LESSON 13



❑

Wednesday

December 26

Part 4

GIFT OF FAITH

Rom. 12:3

THINK IT THROUGH

Does man's faith originate with man or with God?

"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man

that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than

he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath

dealt to every man the measure of faith."

"The Spirit operating upon and enlightening the human

mind, creates faith in God. In the Scriptures faith is stated to

be the gift of God, powerful unto salvation, enlightening the

hearts of those who search for truth as for hidden treasure. The

Spirit of God impresses the truth on the heart. The gospel is

called the power of God unto salvation because God alone can

make the truth a power which sanctifies the soul. He alone

can render the cross of Christ triumphant."—Ellen G. White

Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol. 7, p. 940.

What is the kind of faith that avails for righteousness?

Gal. 5:6.

"Genuine faith always works by love. When you look to

Calvary it is not to quiet your soul in the nonperformance of

duty, not to compose yourself to sleep, but to create faith in

Jesus, faith that will work, purifying the soul from the slime

of selfishness. When we lay hold of Christ by faith, our work

has just begun....

"The labor of love springs from the work of faith. Bible

religion means constant work. 'Let your light so shine before

men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your

Father which is in heaven.' Work out your own salvation with

fear and trembling, for it is God that worketh in you, both to

will and to do of his good pleasure.' We are to be zealous of

good works; be careful to maintain good works. And the true

Witness says, 'I know thy works.'

"While it is true that our busy activities will not in them-

selves ensure salvation, it is also true that faith which unites

us to Christ will stir the soul to activity."—Ellen G. White

Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

Vol. 6, p. 1111.

What is the evidence that my faith is genuine?

"It is not enough to believe

about

Christ; we must believe

Him. The only faith that will benefit us is that which em-

braces Him as a personal Saviour; which appropriates His

merits to ourselves. Many hold faith as an opinion. But saving

faith is a transaction, by which those who receive Christ join

themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life."

—Gospel Workers,

page 261.

FURTHER STUDY



Gospel Workers,

pages 259, 260.

105

God's Gifts

LESSON 13



❑

Thursday

December 27



Part 5



"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eter-

GIFT OF

nal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."



ETERNAL LIFE



"Physical life is something which each individual receives.

Rom. 6:23

It is not eternal or immortal; for God, the Life-giver, takes it

again. Man has no control over his life. But the life of Christ

was unborrowed. No one can take this life from Him. 'I lay it

down of myself' (John 10:18), He said. In Him was life, original,

unborrowed, underived. This life is not inherent in man. He can

possess it only through Christ. He cannot earn it; it is given

him as a free gift if he will believe in Christ as his personal

Saviour. 'This is life eternal, that they might know thee the

only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent' (John

17:3). This is the open fountain of life for the

world."—Selected

Messages,

Bk. 1, pp. 296, 297.

What two elements combine to procure for man the gift

of salvation? Eph. 2:8.

"Only the believer in Christ can receive life everlasting.

Only by continually feeding on Christ's flesh and blood can we

have the assurance that we are partakers of the divine nature.

No one should be indifferent on this subject, saying, If we are

honest, it is no matter what we believe. You cannot with safety

surrender any seed of vital truth in order to please yourself or

anybody else. Do not seek to avoid the cross. If we receive

no light from the Sun of Righteousness, we have no connec-

tion with the Source of all light; and if this life and light do not

abide in us, we can never be saved.

"God has made every provision that His purpose in the

creation of man shall not be frustrated by Satan. After Adam

and Eve brought death into the world by their disobedience, a

costly sacrifice was provided for the human race. A higher

value than that they originally possessed was placed upon

them. By giving Christ, His only-begotten Son, as a ransom for

the world, God gave all

heaven."—Selected Messages,

Bk. 1,

p.299.



THINK IT THROUGH



What is my personal relationship to Jesus and His gift of

eternal life?

"We should not make self the center and indulge anxiety

and fear as to whether we shall be saved. All this turns the soul

away from the Source of our strength. Commit the keeping of

your soul to God, and trust in Him. Talk and think of Jesus.

Let self be lost in Him. Put away all doubt; dismiss your fears.

. . . [Galatians 2:20 quoted.] If you will leave yourself in His

hands, He will bring you off more than conqueror through Him

that has loved

you."—Steps to Christ,

page 72.



FURTHER STUDY



Steps to Christ, "Growing Up Into Christ,"

pages 69-72.

106

God's Gifts

LESSON 13



❑

Friday

December 28



Part 6



What response to salvation does Paul counsel the Colos-

GRATITUDE

sians to make?



Col. 1:12-14



"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet

to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: . . .

in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the

forgiveness of sins."

All that God has given us is by grace—undeserved. Christ's

incarnation and sacrifice, the Holy Spirit, our faith in Jesus, and

eternal life are all gifts of grace. The only reasonable attitude

toward God for His gifts of grace is humility by which one

recognizes his unworthiness and responds with gratitude.

"He who feels his own weakness will look higher than him-

self and will feel the need of constant strength from above.

The grace of God will lead him to exercise and cherish a spirit

of constant gratitude. He who is best acquainted with his own

weakness will know that it is the matchless grace of God alone

that will triumph over the rebellion of the

heart."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, pp. 321, 322.

"The mercies of God surround you every moment; and it

would be profitable for you to consider how and whence your

blessings come every day. Let the precious blessings of God

awaken gratitude in you. You cannot number the blessings of

God, the c6nstant loving-kindness expressed to you, for they

are as numerous as the refreshing drops of rain. Clouds of

mercy are hanging over you, and ready to drop upon you. If

you will appreciate the valuable gift of salvation, you will be

sensible of daily refreshment, of the protection and love of

Jesus; you will be guided in the way of peace."—Messages

to Young People,

pages 409, 410.



THINK IT THROUGH



Does my gratitude equal my blessings? How do

express

my gratitude?

"All our blessings come from His bountiful hand. In turn

He would have men and women show their gratitude by return-

ing Him a portion in tithes and offerings—in thank offerings, in

freewill offerings, in trespass offerings."—Testimonies, Vol.

5, p. 150.

"Shall not the recipients of His blessings show their grati-

tude by giving of their means to help suffering humanity?"—

Testimonies,

Vol. 9, p. 50.

"God permits us to show our appreciation of His mercies

by self-sacrificing efforts to extend the same to others. This is

the only way in which it is possible for us to manifest our

gratitude and love to God. He has provided no other."—Coun-

sels

on Stewardship,

pages 18, 19.

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

page 348.

107

LESSONS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1974

Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of

the

Adult Lessons

for the first quarter of 1974 will be helped by

the following outline in studying the first two lessons. The title

of the series is "Christ Our Righteousness."

The title of the first lesson is "Righteousness." The memory

verse is 1 Cor. 1:30. The outline is as follows: (1) Meaning of

Righteousness. Gen. 7:1. (2) Description of Righteousness. Ps.

119:172. (3) Source of Righteousness. 1 John 4:8. (4) Jesus and

Righteousness. John 14:9. (5) Relationship with God. Isa. 59:2.

(6) Corrected Conduct. Rom. 6:13.

The title of the second lesson is "The Call to Righteousness."

The memory verse is Isa. 45:24. The outline is as follows: (1)

Man's Inadequacy. Dan. 9:7, 8, 10. (2) First Things First. Matt.

6:33; 1 Tim. 6:11. (3) Blessed Are They. Matt. 5:6. (4) Our Righ-

teousness Is of God. Isa. 54:17. (5) Christ, Our Righteousness.

Jer. 23:5, 6. (6) Accepting the Invitation. Ps. 5:8; 23:3; 4:1.

108

A non-Adventist visitor

describes the new

Profiles of Faith class.

"I have been visiting a Seventh-

day Adventist church now for

about five months. The Bible

used to be quite difficult for me

to understand, but since I have

been attending the PROFILES OF

FAITH class, my Bible knowledge

and Christian experience have

both grown.

"I really appreciate the clarity

and practical approach of these

colorful study guides. Not only

do they make it easier to under-

stand the subjects, but the pho-

tography and illustrations are also

very symbolic and meaningful."

PROFILES OF FAITH classes

across the country are bringing

responses such as this from non-

Adventist class members. Orig-

inally planned as a pastor's Bible

class, many churches now extend

a special invitation to all visitors

to attend.

Is your church missing out on

PROFILES OF FAITH? Find out

more about this new series of 28

colorful, Christ-centered study

guides. Eleven selected booklets

are also available for supple-

mentary reading. Your pastor or

Adventist Book Center can supply

full information on these new

materials designed to lead souls

into full harmony with Jesus

Christ and His church.

Profiles of Faith

The modern approach in Sabbath school witnessing.

cam

20X

%dim

jag

THE TESTIMONIES TO THE CHURCH,

by Ellen G. White, is available at 20% off

until December 31, 1973. Regular price for

the nine-volume set is $32.50 in cloth bind-

ing and $38.50 in deluxe binding. Avail-

able from your Adventist Book Center or

ABC mailing service, 2621 Farnam Street,

Omaha, Nebraska 68131.

The Testimonies

Brought to you by Pacific Press

thY

much

de 11

owe?

Who is a steward of God? Is a man's

stewardship dependent on the quan-

tity or the quality of his possessions?

Does stewardship involve more than

money and material possessions? All

life is stewardship. God loans people

everything, but requires something

in return.

The subject of stewardship, focus of

this quarter's lessons, is discussed in

depth in the new book

Managing

God's Goods,

by Paul Smith, asso-

ciate secretary of the Stewardship

and Development Department of the

General Conference. Elder Smith,

who also authored the Sabbath

School lessons, has prepared this

book as an additional source of

study help.

Managing God's Goods

is keyed to the Sabbath School les-

sons. The different subjects and

points discussed have the same topic

headings as those used in the lessons.

A modestly priced paperback that

is now available at your Adventist

Book Center.

Another helpful learning tool from

Southern Publishing Association

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261

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5,775,000

519

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6,975,303

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13,050

14,110

SootleEast Africa

4,037,361

171

30,937

48,033

Southern

15,200,000

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11,267

28,554

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20,706,834

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26,854

57,924

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512

33,927

58,368

Zambia

4,000,000

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23,555

49,801

TOTALS

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1,854

238,240

462,837

(Figures as of 3rd owner 1972]

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